A little guidance would be nice

[patty-rick]

Hey guys i have been idly reading all the posts in the philosophy forum for a couple of months now, and it have been fantastic i have opened up so much, my view on life has changed my opinions have developed, i think more clearly and logically. But... I seem to be growing distant, i am quite young and well i feel that i am growing away from my friends especially male friends. I look down upon their 'ignorance', i do know that this is the wrong attitude but its just how i feel. I have discarded my religion as illogical, which has been greeted by people in my life as an immature act done out of a search for attention. My knowledge that this is definitely not true just reinforces my arrogance. What sort of person am i that has grown to have no respect for my parents and dwindling patience for those who perhaps don’t feel the need to explore??? i was hoping for some guidance from some people in this forum has anyone else gone through anything like this???

It's kinda scarey... :confused:

[ProCop]

There are different churches you can subscribe too:

eg.

church of power (go to politics)
church of richdom (marry Bill G.)
church of doing good (join the peace corps)
church of pop (mass culture)
......

church of knowledge(that's where I belong) Plato said something in the sense: if there is something knowable I want to know it...the same with me. Did I pay a price for not belonging to the other churches where lots of my friends and relatives went to yes I did...sometimes it was pretty bad (eg. to be alone) (girless and friendless) but it went over (finally I got of both more than I wanted and had to fight hard to get back my (happy) loneliness). The church of knowledge has some gathering places, this is one of them, schools, universities, observatoria, science clubs/forums. There is a lot going on.

Some people are guided by the signs from their destiny, some have to be dragged towards it ( a proverb)

[river-wind]

When looking at people who are doing things which seem obviously foolish to you, remember that they do them because they haven't seen a better way. If you want, and they are willing, try and point them towards a new path. If they are unwilling (most people are not willing to listen, don't burden yourself with them. you can only help as much as a person is willing to work), let them continue their mistakes. Hopefully they will learn eventually. Either way, have compassion for them. while you may be a bit removed, they are walking through life blind. :(


I am a member of the church of doing good. I got here a strange way. It sounds to me like you are coming along the same path - those stupid people, they walk around like headless chickens, and then laugh at you because you are not doing the same? morons. But they too are logical beings. they just haven't yet broken out of what is easy in order to take a look around themselves. they suffer day to day not knowing why they do what they do, but yet they continue without question. poor suckers. :(


All my opinion, of course, feel free to disagree.


congratulations on your freedom. As ProCop mentioned, it's not easy; it certainly has it's rewards, though.

[Dr Lou Natic]

Don't be scared, I've gone through all that, and look at me!:) *belches and eats cheese of discarded mcdonalds rapper*
Seriously,
You are in the act of becoming a fully intellectually developed human being. Its great, its a fun ride, your thoughts will keep changing and getting better each time and the changes will start happening faster and faster, soon what you think one week will seem juvenile and absurd the next. At least thats what happened to me.
I'm nearly 20 and this year (19-20) has by far been my biggest yet. You are probably at a stage where you think you can't get smarter but believe me you can and will, drastically smarter. I assume you are maybe 14 or 15 and these strange deep thoughts are just starting to come to you. I understand it is hard not to feel like a genius. Especially when your friends don't seem exceptionally bright.
But you will humble and start to understand that the more you learn the more you realise you don't know.
Not me however, I know all :eek:;)

And I'm guessing you feel as though you are infinitely more intelligent than your parents. Well I'll tell you something that most will try to hide from you;
YOU PROBABLY ARE...
BUT
They will definately be more intelligent than you in some ways. Maybe not at having deep philosophical thoughts but they will know how to NOT fuck your life up which is often a byproduct of premature deep thinking.
Stay away from drugs for now, you will undoubtedly be drawn to them like a magnet very soon(unless you have already) but despite what people say, weed in particular fucks young people around pretty badly. Mainly due to the fact that it is billed as harmless, in reality you become dependent on it and it drains away motivation and energy, all you start thinking about is weed and how wierd it would be if weed could talk, This is very detrimental to a developing brain.
I'm just saying.

Don't lose your friends just yet, they'll catch up(enough), untill then, study them like the simple organisms they are. Observe their behaviours and take note, learn about people by watching them. This will help you in the future and will make being around them bearable.

good luck!

[buffys]

I agree with much that has been said but I am (by nature) contrarian and i tend to seek the exactly opposing view to what I believe at the moment so im going to contradict our esteemed posters a bit.

First, try to remember (during those times your feeling particularly sure about your opinion or belief) that the people you're disagreeing with are equally sure they are right, you both added up your experience and knowledge and arrived at your opposing viewpoints. To them you look as silly and naive as they look to you. Also consider that many things you KNOW are right today will look silly to you in the future. If you know/trust the person you disagree with listen very closely, they may be telling you something you didn't realize. No matter how far from your present beliefs their opinions are. To me, thats the difference between a closed and open mind, an open mind will face an idea that goes against everything he believes because he knows they COULD be right, a closed mind has made his decision before you started talking.

I guess I'm saying be open to being wrong. I went through what you described about ten years ago and oddly i feel like i know less now than i did then (in a sense) because then I was positive in my beliefs, there was nothing else to learn. Obviously that wasn't the case but I was very close minded and totally sure of my "rightness". Just remember this ... the more you know, the more you realize there is to learn, therefore you know less because the amount of information available to an open mind just gets bigger and bigger. You start to realize you know nothing (in the grand scheme) just pieces of much bigger ideas.

Finally, don't take what you read here as the ultimate truth (my post included). Look elsewhere as well, in as many places as you can. If your friends and family are hassling you it's (i assume) not out of malice but of concern. They see you changing and change scares everyone. If you trust them don't take their views lightly.

The moment you're ABSOLUTELY sure your right is the moment you're mind closed.

just my opinion, hope it helps.

[patty-rick]

what you have said so far is helpful but still not entirely new... i realise most of what you all have said but i need to know what i can do about it.

There are different churches you can subscribe too:

eg.

church of power (go to politics)
church of richdom (marry Bill G.)
church of doing good (join the peace corps)
church of pop (mass culture)



i dont really find the need to be part of something bigger like that , i need support especially from close friends, which i seem to find impossible to trust.. but thats another issue entirely.



Don't lose your friends just yet, they'll catch up(enough), untill then, study them like the simple organisms they are



Its extremely depressing 'studying' my friends because they are more 'simple' organisms. Surely you can understand that that just reinforces my feelings of distance???

im 17 and well im not about to go into drugs, i just not sure where to head from where i am.

i realise that my friends believe they are right and that maybe im not wrong but i can only act upon what i believe not what i dont believe but may be true.

[ProCop]

i dont really find the need to be part of something bigger like that , i need support especially from close friends, which i seem to find impossible to trust.. but thats another issue entirely.

you may have friends you do not know about (now). it may hepl if you see that there are people that are more like you, than your friends you are now with, I respect your dislike for big clans but, they have something good too. (when I came to the university, I had quickly the feeling: that's where I belong, I could relate and communicate very easy, scored excelent, etc, while at my hometown I was considered not a retard but "a bit" random...)

[patty-rick]

large groups no matter the purpose lead themselves inevitably to hierarchal structure that also ends in power play. Any sort of power distinction creates a bias of attitude and perception i can never by myself as part of a group no matter how 'liberal' the group, im positive of this.
and i dont mean to liken it to a religion but if it makes you happy its gotta be doing some good.

[ProCop]

http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22589

there is a nice thread which is on topic of groing up and society, maybe you will find that interesting

[buffys]

patty-rick,


pehaps if you went into more detail about the difficulties specific to your situation we could be less generic in our suggestions.

[Dana D]

i just not sure where to head from where i am.

Excited or scared? They are very closely related. The only difference is whether you expect success or failure. Believe instead to succeed and see the great opportunity you have. You can do whatever you want! Who do you want to be?

Caterpillar & Butterfly -

Reinventing me. Who shall I be?
Comfortable on the leaf. Time bekons thee.
But I'm scared, can't you see?
Life is growth. Go boldly.
Follow my heart. Is that the key?
Yes, a wonderous world awaits. Now fly free.
(Joy in discovery)

[Redoubtable]

My advice is . . .

Find yourself a girlfriend . . . that is, if you're a guy, as I've presumed.

Cynicism is a virulent cancer, but, though dangerous, it is not irremedial and can be incised by a wholesome love (or lust) for another.

[patty-rick]

or perhaps i do have a girlfriend and my private life has nothing to do with you

[Canute]

I once read an interview with the Dalai Lama in which he was asked how one avoids arrogance as one comes to understand more about reality as a result of thinking about it more than others. It is the only question I have ever seen him umm and aah about. The difference between being right and being arrogant is sometimes indiscernable. (Which does not excuse arrogant behaviour of course, nor the need for doubt and humility).

Never worry about growing away from your friends unless your friends are your role-models. And don't forget that you'll soon have to put up with children who think they are cleverer than you.

[patty-rick]

thats actually pretty helpful thanx Canute

[Redoubtable]

If your private life has nothing to do with me, then don't start threads that pertain to it, dumb ass.
If you have a girlfriend, why don't you ask her and not us?

[Squashbuckler]

We all have been what you have been through, or are still in it currently.

" Not knowing something is the same as it not existing"

If you find yourself hating others because they choose not to think objectively then it will bring you nothing but misery.

Take my advice and do these things:

#1. Read "for the new intellectual" by Ayn Rand.
#2. Develop a moral code based on human requirements and objectivity. Understand how humans work.
#3.Practice compassion and read a book by the dalai lama.
Without compassion in this world, you will go insane , and become bitter.
#4. Write when you travel or have a thought, You must collect your mind to formulate concrete judgements. You must also remain openminded and allow new facts and new ideas to flow freely into your mind.
#5. understand that money is a product of virtue and if you are very sane and make money, you will enjoy it.

Do what is best for you but NEVER at the sacrifice of another.


And most importantly, find things that you love to do, and do them!
Exercise regularly and eat well.

Just some tips that have helped me in the past.


=)
Mark

[Squashbuckler]

dont be so defensive about your private life........open up with everyone!

[Squashbuckler]

Here is another post that relates to a woman who i was talking too who felt the need to absolutely rip apart my "thinking "
She said this :

"We are who we are. One does not decide who one wants to be."
"We are who we are. One does not decide who one wants to be." +
"Don't try to be. Just be."
She said that I "try to hard"

I cannot disagree more with these remarks.
What do you guys think?


These were my responses to "jalima" the woman who said the above:


Unfortunately, not trying to be, and just being is the equivalent to acting without thinking.
Wouldnt you agree that its essential to know what, or who you want to be or do?
Without an ethical code of morality, what are your actions, goals or desires driven by?

Who you are is your choice, not to be determined by any unethical or irrational whim.
So my response would have to be; in trying to be, you will eventually discover and become.

However, simply acting without thinking would reinforce my sincere belief that ignorance is bliss.
Unfortunately, I cannot, and choose not to live that path .

Do you have logical reasons for everything that you do?
When i asked why you did things, you responded. " to keep myself busy"
If keeping yourself busy makes you happy , then i guess thats an effective goal.

We are not animals driven by only instincts.We have a higher capacity for intelligence. Our main goal in our life is to be happy. An animal has no such ambition, he simply strives to satisfy his ID, or instinctual desires.

We make the decisions that lead to our happiness based on the goals and paths that we wish to choose.
So we do decide who we want to be, we can decide that traits that we would like to incorporate into our personality bank.
for instance:
If you want to be compassionate, you will be compassionate.
If you want to forgive, you will try to forgive.
If you don't want to be angry, then you wont be angry.

We control our every actions and emotions.
I think the problems is that to many act without asking themselves why, or what they are doing.


Let me know what you guys think about this.
Am i nuts or is she simply ballast? (an ayn rand term)

[Canute]

Don't agree with too much of that but no matter.

However one point. I don't think it is all that useful to say to someone that they should be more compassionate, or strive for happiness and so on. What they should strive for is a decent understanding of themselves and the world. It's odds on that this will lead to compassion and happiness, but when these things finally arrive they are genuine and stable, based on a solid basis of understanding and not just on a faith in someone else's advice, however well meant.

My advice (to which the same proviso definitely applies) would be don't believe anything at all that you're told unless you know why it must be true. Avoid all assumptions, however well hidden, and you'll probably end with a fairly Buddhist view, and be happy and compassionate for good reasons.

[Canute]

Don't agree with too much of that but no matter.

However one point. I don't think it is all that useful to say to someone that they should be more compassionate, or strive for happiness and so on. What they should strive for is a decent understanding of themselves and the world. It's odds on that this will lead to compassion and happiness, but when these things finally arrive they are genuine and stable, based on a solid basis of understanding and not just on a faith in someone else's advice, however well meant.

My advice (to which the same proviso definitely applies) would be don't believe anything at all that you're told unless you know why it must be true. Avoid all assumptions, however well hidden, and you'll probably end with a fairly Buddhist view, and be happy and compassionate for the reasons you've worked out for yourself.

[Squashbuckler]

"What they should strive for is a decent understanding of themselves and the world. It's odds on that this will lead to compassion and happiness, but when these things finally arrive they are genuine and stable, based on a solid basis of understanding and not just on a faith in someone else's advice, however well meant."

I concur canute, but I found that sometimes learning what is "real" is very depressing, alienating, and demoralizing.
During those times, it is most important to remain compassionate.
One you can appreciate the true reality, then a more pure form of compassion and appreciation of this world will arise.

I would just like to stress the importance of:
1. Not alienating yourself to become a loner. Remain compassionate towards the other individuals ignorance.
2. Do not try to change the world. Most people will not change, and have years and years of cultural influence. Many will not accept new ideas.
3.understand yourself and human nature. Read some freud and study some psychology.

But most importantly, this life is on borrowed time, and it must be enjoyed.

[Canute]

I can agree with some of that. But...
Originally posted by Squashbuckler
I found that sometimes learning what is "real" is very depressing, alienating, and demoralizing.
Perhaps sometimes it's like this, but (so far!) it's not my experience, in fact exactly the opposite. Of course that may change tomorrow.
3.understand yourself and human nature. Read some freud and study some psychology. [/B]
Everyone has their own way of going about it, but I would disgree strongly with the second sentence, which seems a recipe for achieving eternal confusion. Still, each to their own.

[Squashbuckler]

"I found that sometimes learning what is "real" is very depressing, alienating, and demoralizing."

When you first take that step... you will become demoralized.
But gradualy, the more you learn, the more you wil learn to appreciate the world as it is.

[Squashbuckler]

practice objectivism !
How about that canute?:D

[Benedict]

I like this topic because I am 18 and am starting to come to peace with my thinking.

I also found that most people I spoke to were stupid. Now I find that they are not. A developed human brain is capable of more or less the same things as any other (I mean that rather loosely). look to see what your freinds interests are, the happy ones might be happy because they know what their thing is and use their brain power on it, just because they can't talk to you about what you want to talk to them about is really your problem, the ways of thinking exhibited in this forum should be able to prove to you that their are quite alot of people out there who are not "enlightened". Maybe you grew up too quickly, I had hair on my balls before everyone else and I think the brain followed suit (not I am not talking about having pubes on my brain although that would be cool) . You are not super human, you are not right but you are not wrong. You probably require recognition for your intellegence (I'm not complmenting you everyone has intellegence that's part of being human). Be exceptionally self-critical and motivated and prove your intellegence to your self. If you write music compose a symphony. If you direct film win a film award etc.

learn more, read books by amazing authors. You will see that there are people that exist that are smarter than you and it will be humbling for you.

I have just learnt to listen to my parents who are university professors. I was so ignorant and ego-centric that I thought that they were dumb and that they had no clue about life. If your parents have earned enough money to buy you the computer that you now sit at then they are intellegent enough for you to talk to about life with. I wish I had found this forum when I was at this stage (which I am only just over(I am in my 4th month of a year stay in Germany with AFS and I have managed to gain insight into human thinking thanks to the whole stripping of culture and family) I probably wouldn't have taken so many drugs.

[Canute]

Originally posted by Squashbuckler
practice objectivism !
How about that canute?:D
What is it?

[Squashbuckler]

Originally posted by Canute
What is it?

Its what Ayn Rands philosophy is based on, if you havent read one of her books, I found them to be quite eye opening.

[Canute]

I haven't read her (and don't like the sound of her ideas from what's been posted here from time to time). Still I ought to check her out - what's the best of her titles?

[river-wind]

for the rest of my life, any time Ayn Rand come sup, I think of the "Chicken Lover" episode of South Park:

"I officer Bar Brady, can't read!"
"Hello everyone! ......now I can read....I just finished 'Atlas Shrugged' by Ayn Rand, and, I have to say, it was the worst thing I've ever read! Reading sucks! I'm never going to read again!"

:D


"Never trust a spiritual leader who doesn't know how to dance."
-the only good thing that came out of Karate Kid III

[Squashbuckler]

Originally posted by Canute
I haven't read her (and don't like the sound of her ideas from what's been posted here from time to time). Still I ought to check her out - what's the best of her titles?


Its great that your openminded canute..

Try to read "for the new intellectual" first...

then read....

"The virtue of selfishness"

The titles sound like far out garbage, but its worth the read..
It really changed my life believe it or not.

[Squashbuckler]

Originally posted by river-wind


"I officer Bar Brady, can't read!"
"Hello everyone! ......now I can read....I just finished 'Atlas Shrugged' by Ayn Rand, and, I have to say, it was the worst thing I've ever read! Reading sucks! I'm never going to read again!"



Sounds interesting but i really dont get what is implied here? maybe im missing out?
can you explain it please river? id appreciate it.

[Canute]

SquashBuckler - Read some of Ayn Rand and don't agree with her at all. Objectivism just seems to be a bucket into which she has thrown her various views about this and that. Sorry. (But I'll read some more in case I've missed her arguments).

[Squashbuckler]

I think initially at a first glance everyone would say its garbage because its a bit "far out" and its very controversial.
Like everything, it must be taken with a grain of salt.
A lot fo her stuff should be discarded... she should talk to the dalai lama a bit more as well. =)
selfish bitch. =)

[Then ManMade Machine]

Squashbuckler. after reading this thread i took your advice and red "for the new intellectual" While I found the book interesting, she makes some interesting points, I didn't understand some points of it and wondered if you could explain(not to hassle you or anything, just curious)them. What are we to question in society(she seems to hate the "new" Liberalism", but doesn't bring up conservatism?), couldn't all "real businessmen"(i take she means the Rockefellers, etc) be called atillans since any form of egoistic and ruthless behavior is required to succeed in business but she states that she is for egoism. She also says a real scientist will be more successful since he knows his barriers(stone walls or something) while the witch doctors walks through the fog. How can this be true when we have new scientific improvements everyday not knowing what you will discover next, how can you then know your barriers. She doesn't even take in account several factors during the industrial revolution, all the pollution, what about slaves(i don't know about Europe but shes talking about the us.) who never ever got a chance(or is that more the wrongs of nature of man instead of the political system?). What is her views on art, while I believe reason and purpose is absolute she seems to say none of it but still give off a feeling of dislike for it. On a ending note, would the machines(or as stereotypical that they get in robot movies) in the Matrix be called the ultimate objectivity, denying completely the Descartes values of the humans. It again enforces the idea when i red in Rands book that Descartes brought about the witch doctors return, and since the machines are outside the matrix knowing the humans are in the matrix fighting this two side reality can see the absurdity of it just as rand says she cans. I know this might be some rambling shit, but i really wish to learn more about it, i will try to come up with some more structure thoughts next time.

[Squashbuckler]

Im truly satisfied that you decided to take up a book and read about ayn rand. =)
Its that kind of open mindedness that will allow yours,(and anyone elses for that matter) minds flourish.
Unfotunately, im not going to answer those questions right now.
She eventually covers all of it in her books and lectures.
Remember though, she is an extremist... and i dont completely agree with her ideas. I tend to believe that she lacks true compassion, which is important in human relations. She is such a realist though, that her books are just great reads.

If you want to know more her views on politics, ethics, read " the virtue of selfishness"
If you want to learn about ehr views on art..
Read " The romantic manifesto"

"She also says a real scientist will be more successful since he knows his barriers(stone walls or something) while the witch doctors walks through the fog."

I believe she is referring to the fact that a scientist knows exactly what he is doing, he knows his limits and what he is studying, his purpose has factual evidence to back it up.
The witch doctor (religion) has very little grasp on reality and just moves forward blindly without asking any questions.
The scientist asks questions and constantly strives for the truth.
this is what she believes in striving for, the truth. Not a truth based on an abstraction, but a truth based on factual evidence.


Keep reading more and more and youll son understand my friend :p

Im so happy you read that book......

A=A

[Canute]

I have to say that her philosophy doesn't stand up to logical analysis, and seems to be based on temperamant rather than logic and deduction. I would be completely mystified as to why she has a 'foundation' and so on were it not for the fact that her philosophy supports commercial laissez faire and scientism.

I wasn't going to say that until I read some more but I'll stick my neck out. It seems clear from just the introduction to her ideas.

[Squashbuckler]

whatever floats your boat i guess.

[Canute]

Shucks. I thought you'd argue. To be fair to her I'll read some more.

[wet1]

Sounds to me that you are discovering that knowledge is the food for the mind. As you learn more, you grow. It affects you both in how you see the world and how you see others. Don't get me wrong here, there is nothing wrong with learning.

However you may feel you will need your fellows. It does not matter that all they are interested in is beer and bbq, you will still need those around you.

You have some more knowledge yet to pick up. That of humanity...

[Squashbuckler]

I can tell you a philosophers problem in one word.

"ALIENATION"

[Canute]

Nope. You failed. You'll have to use more than one.

[river-wind]

Originally posted by Squashbuckler
Sounds interesting but i really dont get what is implied here? maybe im missing out?
can you explain it please river? id appreciate it.

Don't worry, you're not missing much- I'm just remembering a stupid TV show. Ayn Rand is mentioned in one episode, and so now I think of the show anytime her name comes up.

It's a really wierd show.

[Squashbuckler]

I think that south park and the simpsons are GREAT SHOWS!
They are usually quite intelligent and witty!
Especially the simpsons. What a great show!

I enjoy your posts river, keep it up.


Canute:

:p

What is win or lose? succeed or fail? Is the world real? am i human? blah blah.
*enters into stupid philosophist ideas...

:D

Ill try harder next time. haha

[Canute]

Originally posted by Squashbuckler
Canute:

What is win or lose? succeed or fail? Is the world real? am i human? blah blah.
*enters into stupid philosophist ideas...

Ill try harder next time. haha
What? Sorry - don't get this one.

[Benedict]

I did, buckle on squashbuckler

[janeelsa]

Hey, Patty-rick, this is the analogy I use: Most people are doing the dog-paddle; they don't realize how deep the water is. You and I and countless others have swum beneath the surface and can see that it's --- fathomless! I think only a few fully enlightened people (eg Jesus and Buddha) have grasped the entire picture. Enjoy the swim! The others will join us when they're ready. Have you ever read "Illusions" by Richard Bach?

[patty-rick]

nope what is illusions about??

[janeelsa]

Originally posted by patty-rick
what is illusions about?? Well... I'm not very good at being concise. Let's see... I guess it's written in the form of a parable (?) and it's about a "Master" who happens to be a pilot and he 'meets' a fellow pilot... it's about manifesting our thoughts and creating our personal reality... it's about having the faith and conviction that this is actually possible (according to the book)... Have you ever wanted something or thought about something that you needed and then a few days later (or sooner) it comes into your 'sphere'? It's kind of like that. Sorry, maybe somebody else can do a better job. It is a quick read, and there are some very inspirational one-liners in there. I don't have it in front of me, but I think one of the lines is "Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they're yours." Something like that. I'm sure you can get it at your local library. If you ever read it, please let me know what you think of it :)

[patty-rick]

number one on my to read list, thanx

[patty-rick]

its under fiction at the library... hmmm it just entertainment??

[janeelsa]

Well... sometimes I wonder if the Bible should be under 'fiction' too :) Kidding aside, it is a story, a short story, but there are so many home-truths in it that I find it inspiring and thought-provoking. I'm sure there are people who will read it and say, "What a lot of bs" and others who will say, "Yeah, that makes sense."

[patty-rick]

do i dare ask .. is it religious???

[janeelsa]

I would have to say no, not as far as any christian religion. I think some of the ideas put forth might fall under eastern philosophy though.

[janeelsa]

Originally posted by Squashbuckler
If you want to be compassionate, you will be compassionate.
If you want to forgive, you will try to forgive.
If you don't want to be angry, then you wont be angry.
We control our every actions and emotions. Your words are reminiscent of my own personal feelings. One thing I do believe in is this - we cannot always control the circumstances we find ourselves in, because they are often based on the actions of other people; but we CAN control how we react in those circumstances; and therein lies our power. But that's just my opinion :)

[janeelsa]

Originally posted by Squashbuckler
I can tell you a philosophers problem in one word.

"ALIENATION" I have to agree with you on this one, too. To how many of my friends can I say, "Have you thought about expanding your consciousness lately? or your spiritual evolution?" To interact with my loved ones, I walk their paths and in so doing sometimes get side-tracked. But something always pulls me back. And reading the posts here from like-minded individuals helps. Thanks :)