Comments on: Where next?

By: Will

Will — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:00:09 +0000

Solitary Wind Chime–
The more I read of Taoism, the more it seems to fit me. Many Westerners are finding support in Buddhism, and I have tried that path. But for reasons that aren’t really important it did not work for me. It is interesting that you have known others with mental illness who have found peace in Taoism. It does not surprise me; it is a very solid and wise philosophy. Maybe it’s because it is so rooted in nature, and nature is so healing.
–Will

By: Will

Will — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:38:55 +0000

Lili–
Thank you for the image: toss/catch. Waiting and watching have never been strong points for me, but this is a time of growth. Maybe I can finally learn to let go and trust the universe.
–Will

By: Lili

Lili — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:03:45 +0000

It is hard to overstate the value of the awareness that has come to me. It has melted away my petty, egoistic concerns. It has given me faith that the universe is benign, and that despite the inevitable traumas of life, I will be safe. It has prompted me heart to literally ache with the desire to help others find peace. It has swept away decades of depression and cynicism. And it only invokes truths that most rational and educated people would accept.

So what is my next obligation? Where do I go from here?

This is lovely. My answer is when in doubt either stay still and listen to inner wisdom, learn an entirely new area of whatever, or see what the universe tosses you-and catch it.

By: Solitary Wind Chime

Solitary Wind Chime — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:18:04 +0000

I have heard of many other mental illness sufferers who find relief and comfort in Taoism. What little I have explored, it always seemed like it fit well with me too. I just haven’t actually done it. Your post inspired me to stop procrastinating my own self-understanding and I ordered a book on Tao.
I also noticed how you mentioned that your spiritual journey had ended, but you subsequent explanation made a lot of sense. I hope you continue to enjoy your newfound peace.

By: Will

Will — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:54:38 +0000

Phil–

Thank you for the encouragement. I have little doubt that this process of discernment will occupy the rest of my life, no matter how long or short that turns out to be. I will look up Julian of Norwich; it’s always nice to learn of inspiring Quakers. A small group, but special. Best wishes.

–Will

By: Phil

Phil — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:30:14 +0000

The great mystics say that God loves the seeker! Enjoy your search…My favorite mystic is Julian of Norwich that spent 20 years discerning (Quaker) how her visions (revelations) spoke to her!

By: Will

Will — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:07:47 +0000

Emma–

I am very pleased you have stopped by. Sometimes I’m shocked at how much I’ve written, just since May. The early posts were about struggle and suffering. Now, happily, I am able to write more about solutions. Thank you for taking the time to look at my site.

–Will

By: Emma

Emma — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:03:43 +0000

I have only recently discovered your blog through a link from another blog. I have had the great pleasure of slowly reading your body of work from past posts. Thank you so very much. I look forward to reading more.

By: WillSpirit

WillSpirit — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:21:19 +0000

jss–

Recently I mentioned Harry Moody’s book The Five Stages of the Soul. His final stage is ‘The Return’. Once one has completed the previous four, and achieved breakthrough to higher awareness, there comes the obligation to return to the wider world and help others. This is part of the spiritual journey, not the end of it. For me, although there is obviously much that I still need to learn, further progress depends on altruism and teaching others. Now that my depression has lifted, and I see myself in perspective, the relief I feel is almost inexpressible. It would end my spiritual progress immediately if I kept this to myself. Even if I can’t, in fact, help anyone else achieve the same awareness, I must try. So it is not that my journey is over, but it has passed through a gate into new territory, where the rules have changed.

–Will

By: jss

jss — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:58:32 +0000

It’s interesting that you have used words that might imply that your spiritual journey has come to an end.