Losing My Religion

It's funny how things work out. I started composing this post a couple of days ago, but decided not to bother finishing it. But then, I've been hearing/reading alot of things that are more or less relevant to the post, so something's telling me I should continue.

Although I consider myself a spiritual person, I've never been a big fan of organized religion. I hate the labels, hypocrisy, intolerance, and enigma of it all. I prefer the much more base belief that the universe is governed by various metaphysical laws and moral codes. However, just like it's healthy for one to question his or her religion, I sometimes question the my own beliefs. Keep in mind that, I'm playing devil's advocate here.

Karma: The Cosmic Justice System

Through the law of karma, the effects of all deeds actively create past, present, and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one's own life, and the pain and joy it brings to him/her and others. What goes around comes around. You reap what you sew. Treat others the way you want to be treated. We've known about these concepts since childhood. We've been taught that, if we are good people, good things will happen. And if we are bad people, bad things would happen. Most of us go through life holding firm to this belief, doing our best to be "good" people so that only "good" things would happen to us.

But sometimes it doesn't matter. Bad things indeed happen to good people, and vice versa. Sometimes we live the most virtuous life we possibly can, and it seems as if the slightest mistake causes misfortune. Like a less than perfect lifestyle means we're in for a slew of bad karma. Because, really, what constitutes being a 'good person'?

The Law of Attraction

The Law of Attraction says people's thoughts (both conscious and unconscious) dictate the reality of their lives, whether or not they're aware of it. Essentially "if you really want something and truly believe it's possible, you'll get it." I've been interested in this theory since before The Secret made it a mainstream phenomenon. I love the idea that you are ultimately in control of what happens in your life. I

The downside to the Law of Attraction is that by putting a lot of attention and thought onto something you don't want means you'll probably get that too. Which would explain why I seem to run into Ex and/or New Boo everywhere I go. Because I'm constantly hoping that it won't happen, it always does. What if I can't help it that I'm a obsessive compulsive thinker or a natural pessimist? Does that mean that, because I'm in constant fear of a loved one passing, it will actually happen?

Serendipity

...Guess it wasn't meant to be, huh?

The definition of serendipity is actually: the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely. But the word embodies much more. It is the idea that everything happens for a reason. Everyone we meet, every action we make, and everything that happens to us is no coincidence. There is always a reason.

The expression 'everything happens for a reason' is commonly used to comfort someone who's dealing with trauma. A lost loved one. A broken heart. An eviction notice. It's like saying, "I know things are tough right now, but it will get better. Something good will come out of this." But then this raises: Why did this happen? What was the reason? And most importantly, when will things get better?

During Thanksgiving break, I got an email that the Residential Advisor on the floor beneath mine had hung himself in his room. I was stunned; I actually knew this guy. We weren't by any means friends, but we were friendly acquaintances. And now he's gone...Really? Everything happens for a reason?

***********************************************************************************

Lately all of my belief systems have been rocked, along with many others, for various reasons. These are trying times we're living in, and I'm not just talking about the economy. It's easy to lose your faith in the Universe, The Force,Mother Nature, God, Buddha, a Higher Power, the Greater Good--whatever it is you believe in. But what we all have to remember is, while it's okay and perfectly natural to question our values, it's important not to give up on what you believe in.

One belief that always holds true for me?

This too shall pass.

What do you believe in?