[AtLast]

Originally Posted by Organicbutch

The foundation is so important but some parents are still children themselves. Some have children because they didn't feel enough love growing up so they want someone to love them and they think having a baby is the way to go. I know someone that did that which is why I'm using it as an example. Some people forget how important it is to teach in those younger years so that we don't grow up completely effed up. lol

It took me awhile to really get what Karma was. I grew up in a fear based religion equipped with the heaven and hell threat. I figured out when I was 9 that it was not for me. I am thankful that it is a part of my foundation but the energy is just so dark and thick. I did some searching in my 20's and finally figured out that for me spirituality has to come from within. I can make my own set of rules that are inline with the Universal Laws (including the law of karma) without all of the darkness attached. But at the same time I think the darkness is an important lesson for me to realize where I don't want to be. I had to experience and accept parts of myself that I don't want to be. It's hard but it has helped me see and feel energy better and understand how the universe works for me.

Yes, the dark and thick- good way to put it. I am so thankful that even though I had a Roman Catholic upbringing, my mother threw out sins of children (she thought it was an insane burden for kids) and also would lean over us during mass and say that part isn't true when the priest did the part that stated the Catholic church was the one true church of the world. I know her ideas came about because of her own strict upbringing and having to deal with the wounds she experienced.

We were given a religious foundation, but, allowed to explore others. My folks had no problem with us going to a friend's church if we wanted to. LOL, and that was considered a sin by Catholics! To go to another faith's service! Weird! Later, I knew I had to leave Christianity altogether, but needed a spiritual base. Everyone does this differently and I think, just finds the road they want to walk which to me demonstrates the fluidity of faith. Even in becoming agnostic or an atheist, actually.

I did the same with my kid (and his other parents also took this stand). LOL, he ended up marrying a very devout Catholic woman! She would not marry him without his taking First Communion and being Confirmed Catholic formally!! He had him baptized and we all figured he would just decide for himself later about religion. He did. I adore my daughter-in-law, so what the hell! None of my business, anyway. He had many teachers and models and makes his own adult decisions. I bless them all!

I do wish I had much more exposure to Eastern religions and Native American spirituality as a child. These have helped me balance myself internally even though I am not one to practice in any formal manner really (always learning). Guess I am just focused on my internal processes, not outward manifestations of spirituality or faith. Dunno… I do know that my gender and sexuality are influenced by this, however in a way that is issue-free. I would love for this peace to be felt by all in this world as there has been so much ugliness because of gender and sexuality we all have had to deal with. I also know that I cannot be intimate with another without a mutual sense of spirit. I feel like we are in a time (although, just beginning in may ways) wherein this can be true. One can have hope! But so much of what we have known as religion, faith and spirituality must evolve.