Does prayer really do anything?

I have a confession to make: I still pray occasionally. Yes, my regular readers may be surprised, given that I’m largely atheist/agnostic, that I do pray. However, for me, it’s something different. It’s more akin to meditation. It’s similar to the process of de-fragging a computer hard-drive. I appreciate the time when I can be alone and quiet with my own thoughts and just sort things through. I don’t pray for anything, I just endeavour to reach a state of calmness and balance where I can sort through the stuff in my head. For me, it’s not an easy state to reach. I attend weekly sweat-lodge ceremonies, and I do meditate a lot there. I also meditate on the yoga mat. Sometimes, it’s when I’m driving–I do some of my best thinking when I’m in the car. Other times, it’s when doing outdoor activities. On an individual basis, within my own thought, yes, this process of meditation (you can call it prayer if you want) does do something, in my opinion, for me.

You age, but growing old is optional…

As I wrote in a previous post, I recently built myself a small deck out behind my home. It was a physically demanding job, and the next day I felt quite sore. I’ve come to realize as I get older, that this whole “getting sore” thing is intensifying somewhat. I also realize that in some ways, perhaps it’s a function of my attitude. Now, before you start thinking that I’m going to say that my thought alone is causing something physical, I’ll stop you there. My attitude over the past few years is something that has kept me from doing the physically active things I’ve done in the past that have allowed me to feel better, and not suffer such consequences of intermittent activity.

Balance is important

I was on the yoga mat the other day, and began to think–something I often do as I get into my meditative state. There are many teachings that come from the practice of yoga, but one of the biggest ones for me is balance. Not the ‘don’t fall over’ kind of balance (well there’s that too); what I’m talking about here, is balance in life practice. It’s one of the many teachings I take from the yoga mat into my daily life.

A Beautiful (Open) Mind

Image credit: The Mind Unleashed (Facebook Page).

I’ve found all too often, based on my own personal contact with highly religious people, and my observations of public figures who are highly religious, that they tend to be among the most closed-minded people around. They think that their way is the only way, and everybody else is wrong, and they’re going to Hell (I’d care about that if I actually believed in Hell).

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

I wrote this piece a few years ago, and since today is Christmas Eve, I present it here for you, dear readers. I’ve edited it a bit for context to this blog, and for the passage of time since I originally wrote it. Here is my take on Christmas and some of the issues surrounding the holidays that seem to come up ad nauseam and are kind of a kill-joy on the season for me.

For the past five years, Christmas has been a holiday that has brought me mixed feelings.

I Don’t Mind God, It’s God’s Fan Club I Can’t Stand

Image credit: Kissing Fish (Facebook Page)

I wonder if any hard-core Christians ever take a few steps back and see how they look to the rest of the world. Probably very few do. I’ve known a few very conservative Christians, and have universally found them to be among the most judgmental and closed-minded people I’ve ever met. Not all Christians are this way, mind you. I’ve known many who are among the most generous, tolerant, and open-minded people I’ve known. I’ve also known a few atheists who could learn a thing or two about brotherly love and tolerance.

On Being Non Religious and Post-Religious

After about 40 years as a Christian Scientist (or at least trying my best to be one), I have left behind not only Christian Science, but Christianity and all organized religion as well. Religion is something I honestly have absolutely no use for in my life. The concept of “God” as found in the Bible is something I have inescapably found to be abhorrent and morally reprehensible. I’ll just toss out various and sundry genocides (Canaanites for example) as a prime example of what I see as amoral conduct on the part of God. I know many will strongly disagree with me, and that’s fine with me. We’ll just agree to disagree.

God

This is #5 in a series of posts looking at the 26 Christian Science Weekly Bible Lesson subjects, chosen by Mary Baker Eddy, and rotated twice per year. These lessons are the sermon at each Christian Science church worldwide, and are read by Christian Scientists daily. Today’s subject is “God”. Look for other posts in the category “Lesson Sermon Subjects“.

From the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”.

“O Lord! Ooh, you are so big! So absolutely huge. Gosh, we’re all really impressed down here, I can tell you.”
(from the movie “Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life”)

I Am a “Reclaimer” (Something I’ve Read)

Usually when I’ve shared “Things I’ve Read” here, I’m sharing horrifying or angering articles I’ve read that are usually connected with religion, or I’m sharing a recommendation for a book or article that is critical of Christian Science.

Eastern Wisdom and Open Mindedness

Image credit: Powerful Intentions – the Law of Attraction Community (www.powerfulintentions.org)