Thought diary #1: The crucible of beliefs
There are many words around us that depict thoughts, beliefs, patterns etc and one of them is atheism. For me it doesn’t mean disbelief in God because that question is not on my mind. I am just neutral to theism because it is complicated. There are various religions and sects scattered all over and someone with a thinking, rational mind may get confused to choose one over the other. Being a bystander and not involving in other people theological beliefs in itself is atheism for me.
There have been thinking people who might not have believed in the notion of God but have specified that religion gave people some purpose else they would have become either depressed or turn Nihilistic if they saw the reality as it is which is no God, no afterlife and no heaven or hell. For me, more than religion, the newer sociologically and psychologically tested interventions like Emotional Intelligence or appreciative inquiry give a high of some kind, which established religion fail to deliver and I practice few things, like journaling to help me become a better version of myself.
The only place where I feel conflicted is when I read or hear about few exceptionally brilliant sages like Swami Vivekananda, Paramhamsa Yogananda or Neem Karoli Baba. Perhaps they had a quality of “giving” without expectations that made them exceptional people. They were focused on their work, were non divisive and equanimous and people in their presence felt genuine compassion. I believe with focus of serving others, any individual can garner these qualities and these sages were those kind of people who indulged in it at all times of the day. Of modern people, I admire Dr. James Doty, who has written beautiful books like “Into the Magic shop” and he talks about the value of compassion and how it helps you get healed, focus better and makes you live with a higher purpose.
I believe in living a colorful life, accept the beauty around and not necessarily deny the finer aspects of practices like Mindfulness and the value of mythological storytelling. When I meet wonderful people who showcase love, compassion, love for learning and a yearning to be better in what they do, I feel a spiritual bliss that is indescribable. I also write statements about things which I want to manifest, considering the inner and outer realities. These statements perhaps guide me towards those goals which are in my thoughts but I seriously would love to achieve them, for both intellectual and monetary considerations.
Yes, for me the question whether God exists or not is secondary and the main objective is to be neutral to these philosophical or theological questions and focus on living live joyfully while keeping in mind in what way I can make people around me comfortable and engaged.
