JustinFTL's recent activity

  1. Comment on What are some of the symbols or rituals that make you feel more connected spiritually? in ~humanities

    JustinFTL
    Link Parent
    It looks like, according to labyrinthlocator.com, there are several in my area. I'll check one out soon. I'd love to find one of the large, hedge labyrinths. Maybe I'll take a road trip sometime....

    It looks like, according to labyrinthlocator.com, there are several in my area. I'll check one out soon. I'd love to find one of the large, hedge labyrinths. Maybe I'll take a road trip sometime. Thanks for the suggestion!

    1 vote

  2. Comment on What are some of the symbols or rituals that make you feel more connected spiritually? in ~humanities

    JustinFTL
    Link Parent
    Good call...I definitely should have included music! I can put something on when I'm sad, lonely, happy, anxious. I jam out when I'm driving or doing laundry. I have playlists for different types...

    Good call...I definitely should have included music! I can put something on when I'm sad, lonely, happy, anxious. I jam out when I'm driving or doing laundry. I have playlists for different types of get-togethers I host. It has such a powerful way of controlling my mood, and even the vibe of a whole room full of people. It's almost like magic: sometimes it makes me feel like a bard.

  3. Comment on What are some of the symbols or rituals that make you feel more connected spiritually? in ~humanities

    JustinFTL
    Link Parent
    I like the idea of spellcasting as something that helps you, even if if doesn't affect the other person. For the longest time, I had an aversion to prayer. I thought, "This isn't doing anything,...

    I like the idea of spellcasting as something that helps you, even if if doesn't affect the other person.

    For the longest time, I had an aversion to prayer. I thought, "This isn't doing anything, so why do it?" I felt silly. Those prayers were usually directed at myself. "I wish I could find a better job," "I wish I would get over this cold," etc. Then someone suggested praying for other people instead. I do that sometimes now, because the act of directing positive energy toward someone else actually makes me happier. It can negate some of the negative thoughts that inevitably make it into my brain throughout the day. I don't even know who/what I'm praying to. I just wish the person positivity, love, healing, etc. Similar to the spells, I think.

  4. Comment on What are some of the symbols or rituals that make you feel more connected spiritually? in ~humanities

    JustinFTL
    Link Parent
    There is one of these centers in my area. I've been curious about it, but I've never visited. It is now on my to-do list. Thank you!

    There is one of these centers in my area. I've been curious about it, but I've never visited. It is now on my to-do list. Thank you!

    2 votes

  5. Comment on What are some of the symbols or rituals that make you feel more connected spiritually? in ~humanities

    JustinFTL
    Link Parent
    I love the idea of creating something that's meant to be an imperfect and permanent reflection of ourselves. Good read; thanks!

    I love the idea of creating something that's meant to be an imperfect and permanent reflection of ourselves. Good read; thanks!

    3 votes

  6. What are some of the symbols or rituals that make you feel more connected spiritually?

    ~humanities Ask (survey)
    I was inspired by this comment by @rogue_cricket in another discussion on spirituality. I was going to simply reply, but I think it could be a fun, new topic for recommendations and it didn't seem...

    I was inspired by this comment by @rogue_cricket in another discussion on spirituality. I was going to simply reply, but I think it could be a fun, new topic for recommendations and it didn't seem to fit the overall conversation over there. Since I'm brand new, let me know if I'm doing this wrong and if I should just reply instead.

    So what are everyone's symbols or rituals? Whether you are Christian, Buddhist, Athiest, Agnostic, Muslim, etc., what are some things that make you feel more connected?

    Here's my contribution:

    A little context: I call myself agnostic. I believe there might be something bigger out there, but that it doesn't make much sense to put a face to it or try to figure out what it wants from us. Since I don't prescribe to any particular religion, I have come up with my own ways to feel the serenity of connecting with whatever it is (The Universe, God, Nature, etc.):

    Tibetan Singing Bowls:

    My friend bought a big, expensive, crystal bowl that I used several times while meditating. The vibrations are supposed to resonate with and activate the chakras in your body. I found a smaller, more affordable set on Amazon. While they don't have the same gut-vibrating power as the large, crystal bowl, they still help my meditation sessions immensely by giving me something to focus on.

    Character Asset Stones:

    As a member of a 12-Step program, we are supposed to constantly work on weakening our character defects by strengthening our character assets, but I always seem to have trouble remembering them in the moment. My sponsor suggested painting words such as "kindness," "generosity," "honesty," and "forgiveness" on small river stones. I will randomly pick one out of a fish bowl before I leave the house every day, and carry it in my pocket, reminding me all day to work on that one particular character asset. I feel that little spark of connection and a sense of satisfaction every time I get to practice my asset for the day.

    Sitting Quiety and Observing:

    This one is very hard for me, as my brain always defaults to wanting to scroll something or do something. I've found that it works best if I have something interesting to focus on. I'm fortunate enough to live near the beach, so sometimes I will just go watch the waves for a while. Sometimes I people watch on the patio of Starbucks. It's important for me to leave my phone elsewhere, or I'll want to pull it out and check texts-emails-reddit-grindr-blah-blah-blah. But sitting quietly and just being for a little while, enjoying the sights and sounds, "stopping to smell the roses," makes me feel connected to the Universe.

    I'm looking forward to some more ideas...

    13 votes

  7. Comment on <deleted topic> in ~enviro

    JustinFTL
    Link Parent
    I'm a 15-year resident of Fort Lauderdale. In the short time I've lived here, it seems there has been an increase in flooding and beach erosion in the area. Just recently, the area was given...

    I'm a 15-year resident of Fort Lauderdale. In the short time I've lived here, it seems there has been an increase in flooding and beach erosion in the area. Just recently, the area was given federal emergency funding for a "1-in-1000" year flood. Frequently when I visit Miami Beach, part or all of Alton Drive is under water because the pumps can't keep up with normal, tropical rains. I've seen barges pumping sand back up onto eroded beaches multiple times.

    Maybe I'm only noticing it now because of heightened awareness to climate issues now that people are finally starting to take it seriously? Maybe it's all real. Either way, it makes me sad. I love this area, but I can't see myself ever buying property here again. Homeowners insurance is becoming prohibitively expensive. I have a friend whose policy went up 50% this year. Plus the risk of catastrophically rising sea levels in my lifetime. I'm going to keep renting for now.

    Maybe it's time for a change of scenery. I have had my eye on the Chattanooga area for a while...

    3 votes