10-15-2012, 10:29 PM
Yeah I've been sort of wondering this too. What is the feeling religious folk get when being religious? For instance, I wondered what strength Carla gained from her cross she wore on her neck, and wondered if I could do the same. I asked myself what this would feel like for ME, so I decided to dive in and pursue "religious" feelings. Or more accurately feelings of connection to the infinite creator. I yearn for a more solid spiritual practice and so I am creating it myself.
The one piece of advice I would give to you turtledude, or anyone doing this, is to simply be a child. Play with your practice. I personally feel the will of the creator-within will manifest greatest in my practice with greater lightheartedness and less seriousness. I can't deny my emotions, like anger or sorrow, but I might as well submit to the vast cosmic joke!
Darn, there ya go! I put out a prayer two nights ago when I was vulnerable and sad. Since then I have found the best possible meditation methods for my current incarnational-self and I have been motivated to greater discipline myself which is a direct result of the prayer. This ritual here is the kicker!
This is wonderful because I seek visions. IDK how prayer works, I just know why. Many thanks for sharing the effects of your ritual Austin. 
Now I just need to find a prayer that suits me.
Actually the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi is pleasant. C: Perfect
The one piece of advice I would give to you turtledude, or anyone doing this, is to simply be a child. Play with your practice. I personally feel the will of the creator-within will manifest greatest in my practice with greater lightheartedness and less seriousness. I can't deny my emotions, like anger or sorrow, but I might as well submit to the vast cosmic joke!
(10-08-2012, 04:08 PM)Bring4th_Austin Wrote: One thing I have done recently to fulfill a yearning for spiritual ritual is adopted a type of ritual meditation. Instead of just plopping down and clearing my mind for 30 minutes, I set up a routine to perform each time before meditating. First I will spend time cleaning the area and then set up a very simple "shrine," which includes a candle for me to focus my gaze upon. I'll then sit down and say the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (inspiration from Carla). After that, I state my intent for the meditation out loud, invoke my "magical personality" while putting on a special ring I only wear for this ritual, and then meditate for as long as I need to.
Ritualizing this process has had a tremendous effect on the efficacy of meditation for me. Never before have I really had "visions" or experiences during meditation, while it is a frequent occurrence now. It seems that each time the ritual is performed, the ability of this to trigger a state-of-mind within myself increases. It has been fulfilling for me, perhaps it might be for you as well turtldude.
Darn, there ya go! I put out a prayer two nights ago when I was vulnerable and sad. Since then I have found the best possible meditation methods for my current incarnational-self and I have been motivated to greater discipline myself which is a direct result of the prayer. This ritual here is the kicker!
This is wonderful because I seek visions. IDK how prayer works, I just know why. Many thanks for sharing the effects of your ritual Austin. Now I just need to find a prayer that suits me.Actually the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi is pleasant. C: Perfect