POSTING IN THE SPIRITUALITY FORUM (MUST READ BEFORE POSTING)

[lesbotronic]

We received several requests to add this forum, but were previously dragging our feet most severely. Why? Mostly because all of us here running this site would describe ourselves as spiritually/religiously agnostic (just plain don't know/don't care/no one could possibly know/we don't care to think on it any further/maybe we'll find out when we're dead) OR atheist (there is no God/Goddess/Deity/ies).

Don't get us wrong here, we're very "to each their own" on these issues and generally (as long as the thing in question isn't homophobic) NOT out to bash anyone's thoughts on anything whatsoever along these lines. If you have a faith and it's working for you, we don't deny that it is and have no problem whatsoever with whatever you believe. We celebrate differences and diversity, in this respect and others. Spiritual stuff has just not so far been our bag(s) personally, nor do we profess any advanced knowledge in this area. SO . . . given our personal beliefs (or lack thereof), we dragged those aforementioned feet due to worry that we might not be able to moderate a forum such as this one might become.

However, after further contemplation, we decided it was probably possible, IF we set down some ground rules for posters. These are not necessarily ground rules for posting elsewhere in the forum, but they are HERE. We are totally and completely NOT interested in THIS area of the site becoming a place to bash folks that are religious and/or spiritual in any way, and that sort of behavior won't be tolerated. This area of the forum needs to remain "Spirituality Positive," and as such is only a place for folks that want to discuss:

1) How they are currently practicing a particular faith/spiritual path/whatever-you'd-like-to-call-it, and how that works for them 

2) How they are currently practicing a particular faith/spiritual path/whatever-you'd-like-to-call-it, but are having serious questions about that they'd like to discuss with others that are ALSO practicing that . . . or even with others of a different faith (but RESPECT is the watchword here)

3) Folks that are looking for a spiritual path, and would like to discuss their questions with others.

4) Folks that have had various experiences with various "paths," and would like to discuss that with others.

5) Folks that would like to talk about how different spiritual paths embrace lesbian identity.

6) Something else we didn't already think to mention above, but nothing involving bashing and keeping the previous "respect is the watchword" phrase firmly in mind.

So in other words, you grew up Catholic and would like to talk about how you just can't believe the Pope is still so unbelievably homophobic? Well, we are totally with you there, but this is not the forum for that diatribe.

(However, you are welcome to put any recent thoughts on any sort of anti-progressive political machination (church-specific AND/OR otherwise) in the Politics forum. You're certainly NOT being scolded overall on any anti-church thoughts as that relates to homophobic politics that might interest lesbians, but this particular forum is not the place for that.)

Also, while we would certainly hope this would go without saying to anyone that would post here, JUST IN CASE, this part of the forum or any part of this site will never tolerate any posts that are blatantly homophobic.  Lesbianism is a very natural and extremely positive part of the overall human experience. If you think "Jesus might be trying to save you . . . " and/or ". . . might need to save others in this forum, lesbotronic is not the forum for you. Go far away from here. Starting now. We haven't the time or patience for that sort of bigoted nonsense, and your posts will be deleted without notice.

We also think it would be most helpful that when your question is about a particular faith/path NOT ALREADY IN THE FORUM, if you titled your post the name of whatever that is (Wiccans, Buddhists, Pagans, Unitarians, etc.). Then, others posting AFTER that should look to see if that faith/path/whatever is already already being discussed before starting a new thread. In other words, if that faith/spirituality area is already being discussed, don't start a new thread, reply to the current one, OK? It just keeps things tidy and helps other folks find what they need.

But . . . other that ALL THAT (heh), have at it, and have the best time possible! :)

[Sicca]

WOW. I felt deeply saddened after reading this post. I didn't realize that so much of the queer community felt this way about God/Religion. I'm learning a lot on this site. I totally get why anyone would be atheist or agnostic considering the hypocrisy of most organized religions. 

I'd very much like to converse with women who want to work on their spiritual growth or who are not sure how to reconcile old and new religious beliefs. Also I would just like to say that there are all inclusive, non judgemental religions out there if you're interested. Being queer does not disqualify anyone from the world of religion. And you don't have to go to some church or be a part of any sect. Spirituality is about YOUR special bond with spirit. 

Lets talk about it.

[Dell]

Hi Sicca, 

I agree with your last sentence.  Personally I wouldn't want to live a life without some sense that there isn't something higher than myself...that would make me feel cold and lonely inside.  it's a pleasure to read that someone in the LGBT community is connected to their higher self.  So many throw out the baby with the bath water when it comes to religion, faith, spirituality and their orientation yet understandably so.     

[Sicca]

Hi Dell,

I've learned through this site that I have been living in sort of a blissful cocoon. There are so many issues that the LGBT community is dealing with that I was oblivious to, particularly this issue of religion. I too can't imagine a life without the sense of God/Spirit at the helm of it ... but then again, I believe that God is in all of us whether we acknowledge it or not. Ironically, it is my connection to my faith that has kept me away from all of these hardships that so many of us face. I remember joining a gay bible study group. I thought we would discuss scripture and focus on how to apply the principals to our everyday lives. Not so ... it turned out to be a quasi support group for people who had no or little to no faith at all. I don't understand why anyone would allow another person to make the most important decision in their lives. To me there's nothing more important than one's faith. If someone chooses not to believe, it should be because they've tried and failed .. not because someone told them that God did not love them.

[Dell]

It's OK to live in that blissful cocoon if it brings joy into your life. it sounds like you've had very good influences in your life unfortunately everyone one knows what it feels like to relate to something higher because they mainly had bad influences or never had anyone to care enough to make them aware. 

[Dell]

Hi, Aiyana, 

Ibreally dig  the ocean you swim in!  Could you elaborate more about the 12-step context in which you speak and it has helped in bringing spirituality down to earth?  Thank you. 

[Sicca]

Hello Aiyana. Like Dell, I love the ocean that you swim in. I'm not familiar with the 12 step process first hand but I've heard that it's very spiritual. 

[Dell]

Gosh Ebonaire, that's aweful your wife received that note from a pastor especially! Hopefully she's aware that just because someone holds the title of a Shepard doesn't mean they know how to tend to all of their sheep.  Sometimes that title is just a job sort to speak.  They think they are doing the will of God/boss but they are misguided themselves! 

[DaleDuc]

Hi Sicca, Aiyana & Dell

i haven’t been on this site for a while and I am not sure how old these posts are, but in answer to your question about 12-Step programs and spirituality, a 12 step is what helped me discover my spirituality almost 33 years ago, and it has been evolving ever since. I am not aligned with one specific religion or practice, but incorporate practices and beliefs from several different lineages. I agree, I would find my life very bleak and meaningless without a belief in something greater than myself that I can connect to for inner wisdom and peace. 
 

it has taken me a while to get a consistent meditation practice and I mainly sit and “think” but I keep showing up everyday to my meditation space and practicing. I would say that a daily meditation practice, is the best and most effective way that I develop my spirituality and continue to connect to my higher self/source/creator/god/goddess whatever you feel comfortable labeling it. 
 

I can share the meditation practice that has helped me become a daily mediator if you’re interested. 
 

 

[Desibt]

Sicca said:

WOW. I felt deeply saddened after reading this post. I didn't realize that so much of the queer community felt this way about God/Religion. I'm learning a lot on this site. I totally get why anyone would be atheist or agnostic considering the hypocrisy of most organized religions. 

I'd very much like to converse with women who want to work on their spiritual growth or who are not sure how to reconcile old and new religious beliefs. Also I would just like to say that there are all inclusive, non judgemental religions out there if you're interested. Being queer does not disqualify anyone from the world of religion. And you don't have to go to some church or be a part of any sect. Spirituality is about YOUR special bond with spirit. 

Lets talk about it.

I agree, spirituality is about self,  self awareness and not religion. I've always been a spiritual human and in the past I didn’t understand why everyone wasn't spiritual. I know now that people are only responding to the world based on learned/ taught behaviors, how they were raised, the people they grew up with, the friends, family, peers, etc. Eventually, we grow up and figure out who we want to be or better, we learn who we are, and that we have a choice. Don't get me wrong,  I don't judge anyone, you are who you are and wherever you are on your individual journey in life period. I do believe we are all apart of that which created all that is, be it spirit, soul, God, etc.  I believe in living the life I choose and leaving others to do the same. Namasta