(04-10-2010, 08:21 PM)charlie2012 Wrote: The way that you are thinking of expressing yourself in could have the effect of putting distance between those you love and yourself, temporarily at least. In the long run, things will be just fine, and many of them will get it sooner or later, but for now it could have an unwanted effect. My advice would be to (as many have mentioned before me) to change into a more positive state of mind about all things in life, change problems into challenges. Spread love and respect the others. But stay on the same "level" as them, if you wish. Offer more positive views on what they believe in, without telling them too much about your own beliefs (this might make them fear what you have become and make you seem unreliable). Try to steer discussions in deeper and more positive directions while radiating love and understanding for their views. Talk to them one on one, you might "feel" when the discussion is going in the direction you wish. This is how, in my opinion, those who are "deeply asleep" (if you wish to use that term) learn in the most effective manner.
I think this is excellent advice! Having experienced firsthand the huge chasm that can result from others not understanding our spiritual paths because of their fear, I agree that avoiding that disconnect from your loved ones is preferable. The reason I shared my own experiences was that, no matter how nicely I put it, they just couldn't get past their fear of the changes in me. No matter how much I reassured them that I still believed in God, still prayed, etc. it didn't matter.
In my case, I wasn't close to my family to begin with, so not much was lost. And I have since become close friends with a few Christians who accept me for who I am. But they are the exceptions, and even they don't know the depth of my beliefs, because there has never been any reason to tell them. It would serve no purpose.
If you are blessed with a close, loving family, I would suggest keeping the love between you paramount. One of my brothers completely severed what little bit of a relationship we had, because I didn't agree with his political beliefs. I found that tragic! (He would bring up politics every time we talked. We reconnected after I called him back and pleaded with him to not let politics get in the way of family. But it hasn't been the same since. I insisted that we not talk about politics anymore since he is unable to respect another pov, since we get along great when we're not discussing politics!)
My advice is to remember that the Law of One supercedes doctrine. We can live the Law of One while honoring where others are at. You might ask yourself what purpose it will serve to make any sort of an announcement, and choose the path that is most likely to result in an expanding of love.
If I could do it all over again, I would opt to not announce my new beliefs to my family and friends, but let them know one-on-one as circumstances are offered. At the same time, I would be more upfront about who I am with new people I meet.