[SPAM] Re: ACT and Religion

[Guest guest]

I had this formed in my mind before sent his post.

I had read in self help books that religeous people suffer less

depression and that it is good to be spiritual. This is even stated

in my ACT books. I'm not a Christian or a Buddhist but a living

universe and our important place in it seemed rather nice.

I was then forced to admit that I had constructed an object or a

system - whatever. I thought it was OK to do this and pretend that I

really believed it because I felt all religeons have an element of

this, and it becomes faith, where we can't prove anything.

I can remember at the evangelical church I used to attend (mainly for

the girls) that when they got a new convert there was a big

celebration. But I always thought that what they were really happy

about was someone saying to them, 'your right, there really is a god,

I believe', and this helped dispel their doubts for a while. So I was

going to agree with that ACT could shake your faith by

accepting doubt.

I lay in bed that night with my windows open and I heard the rain,

the wind, trains in the distance, a plane go over, people laughing in

the street, and I felt awe. The universe is full of power and

swirling energy and it is easy for us to project our living soul onto

it and think it is alive like we are. I was aware of all this but I

still felt spiritual, I still felt it was meaningful and that life in

general was an important part of it all, and it was still soothing.

Now though, I don't make it into a system, or believe it or

disbelieve it, it's a feeling thing. Sometimes its there and

sometimes it isn't. When it is there, it adds to the richness of my

life.

Kavy

> > >

> > > Hi - You've raised an interesting question and I

can't

> wait

> > to hear some responses. I think it depends on which definition

of

> > religion we use. Some people do use their religion " in order to

> > control unpleasant feelings and insecurities. " Perhaps " deal

> with "

> > or " ACCEPT " would be better words. My religion is a rich mix of

> > Buddhism, Christianity, ACT and who knows what else - the

result

> of

> > many years of searching for answers to questions without

answers

> and

> > dealing with life's pain. It helps me ACCEPT what life offers

and

> > live a valued life through committed action. I admit that I'm

> taking

> > much liberty with the word religion and I hope one of our

> linguists

> > will help with the root of the word. Looking forward to the

> > discussion.

> > >

> > > I think a recent post by one of the ACT professionals raised

> the

> > idea of a " congregation " of people who share a belief that ACT

> works -

> > forgive the license I've surely taken with their post.

> > >

> > > For what it's worth.

> > >

> > > Bill

> > > Boulder, CO

> > > Not an ACT professional!

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > To: ACT_for_the_Public@: russell_c_cook@: Sun, 3 Aug 2008

> > 07:57:20 +0000Subject: ACT and Religion

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi.

> > >

> > > I'm not sure that ACT and religion are compatible. Religion

> seems

> > to me something that people use ( " control tactic " ) in order to

> > control unpleasant feelings and insecurities. I would also

argue

> that

> > positing a 'supernatural' being/spirit/entity is (almost?) by

> > definition an argument with reality.

> > >

> > > Any thoughts?

> > >

> > > Not happy with your email address? Get the one you really

want -

>

> > millions of new email addresses available now at Yahoo!

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Kavy, you have the soul of a poet.

I read and re-read your posts just to feel what you describe. You have a beautiful way with words. I am RIGHT THERE with you.

Wish I could be of more help but, in the meantime, I want you to know that your words touch me.

You have a gift!

Thanks,

Helena

ACT and Religion> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi.> > > > > > I'm not sure that ACT and religion are compatible. Religion > seems > > to me something that people use ("control tactic") in order to > > control unpleasant feelings and insecurities. I would also argue > that > > positing a 'supernatural' being/spirit/entity is (almost?) by > > definition an argument with reality.> > > > > > Any thoughts?> > > > > > Not happy with your email address? Get the one you really want -> > > millions of new email addresses available now at Yahoo!> > >> >>