Thought to Action « Sizzle Says

Thought to Action

April 25, 2007 at 6:42 am | In light bulb moments, soapbox | 36 Comments

I used to be a spiritual person.

After attending 13 years of Catholic school (no boys, I no longer have the uniform), I proclaimed myself an Agnostic and wandered aimlessly through my college years and on through my 20’s with nary a connection to God or to prayer or even Mother Earth. I was more fierce than peaceful, more boxed in and angry than open and loving, and less my true self than I wanted to be/knew I could be. All of that was part of the journey and I wouldn’t change it but I can look back now years later and see, I had no faith.

I don’t mean particularly faith in God but in something- maybe as powerful as faith in myself. I’ve always been a believer in positive thinking, in the whole “treat others as you would want to be treated” and paying it forward but those are just theories if you don’t put them into practice. In Santa Cruz I found it easier to center myself in these beliefs because I had Inner Light and a community of like-minded people who helped inspire me. The forgiveness class I took connected me to the power of prayer and I was able to finally reconnect with “the universe” and myself. I felt lighter. I felt peaceful. I felt hopeful.

I was reminded how off-center I have become while watching The Secret the other night. Dumpling sent it to me for my birthday. While I was quick to make fun of it because of its fad-like notoriety and Oprah seal of approval, I gave it a shot because if Dumpling thought I should see it, then I should see it. I trust him implicitly like that. While the concepts of The Secret are not new to me, it has been some time since I really focused internally and put any of it into practice. Watching it made me realize how far off-center I have wandered and how deeply I want to reconnect with myself.

I think humans by their very nature want to believe in good and want to see possibility but we are trained to see lack and limitation and speak negatively. I believe that the mind is a powerful tool in healing and in creating the life you desire and that all too often we are talked out of believing in our own hearts/desires/dreams because of other people’s fears or more often, our own. I believe people have the power to change- themselves, their lives- and to make the world a better place just by being on the journey to their authentic self.

So right now I’m in the talking phase of this reconnection. . . trying to figure out how I can root myself in my center. Is it through meditation? Spending time in nature? Finding a spiritual community? Daily walks with my iPod and my thoughts? Journaling?

What works for you when you need to connect with yourself or with a higher power?

“Just trust yourself, then you will know how to live.” -Goethe

36 Comments »

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This is a beautiful post, Sizzle. It makes me almost tear up, inside.
The subject of Faith is a deeply personal one, and yet must be explored snd earned somehow before we can call it our’s. I know you are a beautiful Vessel, and that good things will come of you if you let it. Just plant those seeds inside, and let them grow.

Your maturation process is wonderful to behold. Keep on keeping on.

Comment by Bully — April 25, 2007 #
it’s interesting that as humans, we want to feel connected to something larger than ourselves. i’ve been an agnostic for many years now, too, feeling that faith in myself was enough. I still believe that. but while reading articles after Kurt Vonnegut’s death, i learned more about humanism, and in reading on it, realized it is basically the philosophy that I’ve been practicing all along. be good to other people because it’s the right thing to do and makes the world better, not because of some post-death reward you’re hoping for. it’s strange how comforted I was to know that there are other people who actively embrace such a philosophy, that I wasn’t alone and shouting into the wind.

Comment by Stephanie — April 25, 2007 #
Self-awareness and awareness of my surroundings always tells me I am centered. I truly believe everything in life happens for a reason, and there are no coincidences, only actions. Just like the fact that I also grew up going to parochial school and then ditched it all when I went off to college, just like you.

Comment by Lisa — April 25, 2007 #
I’m an empiricist. I believe in that which can be measured, quantified and reproduced. I strongly suspect truth in that which makes the mathematical models work or that which predicts a truth that is later found to be true.

However. I like my women to be spiritual. It’s sort of a yin-yang thing. It compliments me. Keeps me centered.

*shrug*

Comment by Gadfly — April 25, 2007 #
Faith can be such a personal thing, I know it is for me. I think the concentration on being open and aware is how I remind myself of my faith. It’s not a place or an action, it’s a practice. It’s hard to describe. I think if I relied on only one place or one thing (or even a few places or things) to help me, I’d be lost all the other times I couldn’t get “there.” Instead, when I remember that opportunities are everywhere, I’m always ready. I don’t know if that makes sense, it’s all not entirely clear to me, either.

Comment by justrun — April 25, 2007 #
When I need to feel centered I first focus on myself, I quiet myself and my mind and try to focus on reconnecting, on listening to that inner voice. I then tend to shift my focus to others, people in need. Of anything. I feel like relationships center me and that there is opportunity for some sort of relationship with everyone you come into contact with. I believe in God, and I believe that I experience God through others.

Your strength and self awareness never ceases to impress me friend.

Comment by alissa — April 25, 2007 #
I love your posts! I really love this one. When I need to connect with myself: Where I live, in the country of Georgia, we have pastures. So, when I need to be alone to think, I will go out to one of the pastures where there are no cows and sit and pray. usually this is when the sun is setting and I can watch that. I pray to God and asks for peace when I’m having a hard time. This happen for a reason and though we only see a little piece of the picture, God sees the whole canvas. So I know he’s in control.

Comment by Keri — April 25, 2007 #
Sometimes it’s journaling/blogging. Other times I just like to lay down and listen to music. Whatever I choose, I just know I need to be away from the “grind” otherwise I’ll never be able to appreciate anything.

Comment by kapgar — April 25, 2007 #
As a fellow agnostic, I know of which you speak. I do, however, have no problem believing in the goodness and yada yada stuff still.

I think my main problem with religion is that it isn’t very good, preaching hate and causing wars as it does.

I believe there must be something out there, I just don’t think we’ve found it yet. In the meantime I try to make it through the hate and find something to hold on to in the people I that I encounter.

Nice post

Comment by not whit — April 25, 2007 #
Volunteering, going out in nature, and/or reading about the human body are all things that keep me feeling connected to The Higher Being. Whatever he/she/it might be.
That last one? Odd, huh? It’s the reason I believe in anything at all. When I read books about the human brain (as I have been doing, although far less this week) I am more convinced than ever that something greater created us, because it is too mind-boggling and amazing how all the parts work together for me to ever believe it just randomly came to be.
At this time, I also feel compelled to quote a magnet that Stephanie has on her refrigerator:
“Spiritual people inspire me. Religious people frighten me.”

Comment by diane — April 25, 2007 #
I read, listen to music but being around people who are focused for me is the most inspiring. Taking the time to focus on everything that I have and things I don’t need is also critical for me.

Comment by Skyzi — April 25, 2007 #
I’ve always been a quietly religious person. By that I mean that I don’t feel like it’s something that I need to tell everyone about, convert people to, or talk about constantly. Religion is just a part of my life. When I start to feel really lost and overwhelmed I am calmed down by sitting in my church – everything about the experience is reassuring. I like the feel of the pews, I like the way the light filters through the stained glass, I like the rhythm of the mass, and I like reading the words of my faith – that works for me.

So I suppose that my suggestion would be finding that type of place for yourself, or even creating a place where all of your senses can relax and just let go of the worry.

Comment by Bre — April 25, 2007 #
For me it’s nature. I have a few parks around town where I go and just take it all in. I don’t hold back and will cry if that’s on the agenda. I usually think about my family and all that good stuff. (great, I’m tearing up typing this response). The outdoors is my religion. Not sure if this helps you with your post or not.

Comment by egan — April 25, 2007 #
Don’t be afraid to have and be quiet. Try a walk without the ipod. I think there is something to moving my body and listening to what is around me that works for me. It gets me in tune both physically and mentally. Then the spritually just falls into place. Faith is such a weird thing to understand. And it’s SO different for everyone. Good luck on your journey!

Comment by hotpinksox — April 25, 2007 #
A good backpacking trip where I get all dirty and tired always brings me back to a good place.

And if I can’t do that, I usually try to stay away from TV and the internet for a few days. THAT one is really hard! But surprisingly rejuvenating.

Comment by rosalish — April 25, 2007 #
It may sound silly, but playing DDR helps center me. It requires me to be focused and in the moment. It also provides a small recurring lesson: mistakes aren’t that big a deal, just keep going. And yes, I do enjoy hearing the game dude’s positive feedback when I’m doing well. :)

Burning brush is good too. Activities which require me to be present, i suppose…

Comment by claire — April 25, 2007 #
I have found that filling myself up with bitter resentment, and hating everyone and everything is a great release. It is my path to a spiritual center.

That, and beer. (What else?!)

Comment by Lefty — April 25, 2007 #
#1 – I am glad you liked your present!

#2 – I love that Goethe quote – it is now my new favorite!

#3 – ask. believe. receive.

#4 – I go for a walk down to the beach and watch the waves and the sunset. Sometimes I do a little meditation – I discovered “The Meditation Podcast” on itunes that has some simple guided meditations you can do. Sometimes I just sit or lay down and revel in the quietude where I am at. Watch the trees sway in the wind as I try and remind myself that we are all everything everywhere – then I think what it might be like to be a leaf atop one of those trees… and then what it might be like to be a bird that has nested there… and then I think of tree somewhere around the world and how there is a leaf there that I am connected to…

At about that point I get kinda overwhelmed and return to my video game, TV show or internet obsession.

C’est la vie.

Comment by Mr. Rodacre — April 25, 2007 #
Karate. I just wrote about this, how when I don’t get there for my classes I feel off. My husband was telling me how much happier of a person I am when I get my weekly dose of classes. I like the activity, but I love the mental clearness that the martial arts gives me.

I’ve heard about The Secret but haven’t watched or read it. I’m been actively trying to think in a more positive light lately and I think if you stick to it, it can truly make a difference.

Great post.

Comment by Black Belt Mama — April 25, 2007 #
Yoga, music and being creative helps me connect with myself.

Looking at those I love and realizing how blessed I am to have them in my life helps me connect with God.

Comment by 180/360 — April 25, 2007 #
It gets easier to connect with yourself the more you work at it (ironic, but true). You know when Rhonda Byrne says “Feel GOOOOOOOD”? It’s because that’s THE BEST WAY to reconnect. Just do whatever feels good at the moment; it might be different things every time. As the Dalai Lama says: “There’s no way to happiness; happiness IS the WAY.” Just be happy. Now. And you’ll be THERE.

Comment by girlanddog — April 25, 2007 #
great post! i read the secret but want to see the movie – i hear its pretty incredible… i’m not a religious person though i was raised lutheran – eric is a devout catholic, along w/his family, and i will probably convert when we are married… i feel that you should raise your children to believe in a higher power – not necessarily as in a ‘god’ but whatever is good for them… i think the closet spiritual thing i do is take a bath every night – it seems to ground me… :o)

Comment by jodi — April 25, 2007 #
Provocative post. I’m with hotpinksox, I find the quiet or more to the point listening, very settling.

Comment by g-man — April 25, 2007 #
I love love love this post! People tell me all the time that I am crazy because I believe the best in things and believe we should follow our hearts no matter what. I am now going to have to watch The Secret, because I trust YOU when you say it is thought provoking.

Comment by tori — April 25, 2007 #
I’m not sure someone should have been making lots of bucks on this “Secret” when it really is no secret. The power of positive thinking has been with us for eons. Some of what I’ve heard about this seems a bit TOO “New-agey” for me, but the overall principal is a sound one. We each need to find out way… but looking to the positive has a much better possible outcome than looking to the negative. All the best to you, Siz… you are such a well-rounded person that I can’t believe it is going to be too much of a stretch for you to “center” yourself to your satisfaction.

Comment by sue — April 25, 2007 #
I really don’t know what I’d do with my faith…life would be just to overbearing…it would lose all meaning. It can’t just be about me and my family and my life and my wants and my desires…somehow we’ve all got to be connected to a greater good.

And that’s why I believe.

Comment by Dawn — April 25, 2007 #
Sizzle,
All too often we are talked out of our dreams because of someone else’s fear.
I think it takes a long time to realize that. Good for you to see it now.

Comment by Krisco — April 25, 2007 #
Oddly, I go to my church– a community of people who apparently love me no matter what and are EAGER to show it and seemingly want nothing in return(you don’t get that anywhere else!). I recognize this is a VERY special group of people.
The other odd thing I do is sleep, hide, rejuvinate. Just sort of crawling into my one cave for an hour restores my power to reason and coats my raw, fraying nerves.

Comment by esmerelda — April 26, 2007 #
Great Post. This spoke to me, I had to come back and reread before I could comment. I have a really hard time quieting my inner dialogue in order to take anything in, but when I do, and I notice (that quieting thing) I love it. I think it is appreciating the little things. The smile of child, the sun in the morning, rocks on the beach. For me it is always about being in the moment, not looking for what is next or what was. Your post was a good reminder for me to do that, sometimes life is just so damn busy and it gets away from me. I become a really cranky person. Thanks for reminding me.

Comment by kim — April 26, 2007 #
This is a really wonderful post, thanks for writing. If I am overtaxed and need to recenter I head to somewhere I can sit by moving water. Waves, waterfalls or fountains are first rate but even a bath will do in a pinch. I can also get the same result with good sweaty yoga bonus that it is simultaneously a workout. The thing your post made me realize is that what or where or how doesn’t matter so much as putting a little solitude time aside for that purpose. Thanks for reminding me.

Comment by pocketCT — April 26, 2007 #
When I find I am doing too much negative thinking I stop myself with this little exercise. I pick a color and tell my mind to focus on it. I look for all the orange in the room. My eyes start jumping all over the room, “there, that’s orange, and so is that! That’s kind of orange. Hey, I always thought that was red, but it’s really red-orange.” It’s amazing how nuch orange there is in the world when you look for it. Once I’ve focussed on the color it’s easier for me to translate that into looking for the good that was already there as well.

Comment by Caron — April 26, 2007 #
Great Post!

The title is very appropriate. Any faith is about action. It’s more than thinking about being a “believer”, it’s about putting that faith into practice in an intentional way.

Looking forward to reading this journey…along with all of your others!

Comment by Tam — April 26, 2007 #
I’m not even slightly connected to a higher power (I’m too much of a control freak) but I am able to really center myself when doing yoga, and walking. And every morning when I wake up, I lay in bed with my eyes closed for a few minutes and visualize how I want my day to turn out. It really helps.

Comment by sandra — April 26, 2007 #
I know that I tend to think on the negative side, but I can’t help but think that my own experiences have more to do with that than anything. It’s difficult for me to draw the line on protecting myself from getting hurt again vs. having an open mind/clean slate. As for my soul cleansing, I’d have to say that the beach is a good place for it, esp. at sunset.

Comment by Becky — April 26, 2007 #
The beginning of this post reminds me of why I don’t want to send my girls to Catholic school! I want to raise them Catholic, yet I’m fully aware of the impact that 24/7 religion can have on a person!

My parents didn’t send me through the usual route of religious classes, and by the time I was in high school, I was in agnostic mode. It wasn’t until Makenna was born that I decided to go back to THE CHURCH and complete my first communion and confirmation. It meant much more to me at 30 than it would have at 6 or 13 or 16.

So, having children made me realize the power of something greater than us. Going to church on Sundays is my time to focus, think about stuff, pray. And if it’s not Sunday and I need to reconnect with myself, Andrew watches the girls and I either go to yoga or isolate myself somewhere and try to relax :)

Comment by LVGurl — April 27, 2007 #
Nice post. I have avoided The Secret for those same reasons, but really loved the movie “What The Bleep Do We Know” for the section that reminded me of similar things. That faith is good. Whether you are religious or not.

Comment by aimee/greeblemonkey — April 27, 2007 #