Pisco has lovingly tagged me to (attempt to) describe the joys and trials of my belief system. Here goes nothin’…
DISCLAIMER: I’ve never really talked about religion and a certain other subject contained in the ‘Joys’ section of this post on my blog before. Both will probably surprise you, and may even shock you. You might even feel differently about me after reading this. Just so ya know. Feel free to comment on both, but be kind please.
Rules
1. You have to use your own belief system for the meme. No fair using someone else’s to make a joke or satire. Being humorous about your own religion is encouraged!
2. You have to have at least one joy and one trial. More are encouraged. And no, they don’t have to be equal in length, but please be honest.
3. You have to tag at least one other person. More are appreciated!
4. Please post these rules!
The Joys Of Being a Disorganized & Unaffiliated Semi-Pagan Taoist
1. I appreciate the form and functions of nature and recognize that they are manifestations of the Divine. Not that others of different faiths cannot/do not, but I believe this is more central to Taoism and Paganism than most Judeo-Christian religions.
2. There is no one book or text that I must read and absorb and live by, though the Tao Te Ching is wonderful and I’ve read it referred to it when the need strikes. The lack of -to borrow a phrase- “thou shalt’s” and brimstone language is a big plus.
3. I require no special place or time to meditate on the Divine and its myriad forms.
4. In my blended beliefs, I feel free to be who I am, which is a person of two spirits living with another woman who completes me.
5. There is no need to worry about patriarchal/sexist rules/roles, because I am one unto myself without a minister/leader/priest and congregation to judge me.
The Trials Of Being a Disorganized & Unaffiliated Semi-Pagan Taoist
1. I have no group or affiliation to turn to in times of spiritual discomfort or need.
2. Spiritual growth seems more difficult to maintain and nurture alone.
3. Lack of structure and ritual can be alternately freeing and frustrating.
4. The sense of being alone is greater with this than with anything else I have experienced.
Neither surprise nor shock from this corner. In fact, I’m greatly impressed by the straightforwardness which you describe some fairly complex concepts; were this my meme, I’d probably be going on for hours and not saying a great deal.
CG, thank you for the reassurance AND the comment. It wasn’t the easiest posting it, but I’m relieved I have. And I don’t think, were you tagged with this, that you’d ramble.
Very interesting link to the “two spirits” page.
I know you and I have had similar conversations in the past, so I can’t say I’m surprised by this post. But I am proud of you. These things can be very hard to share.
Nice Site!