A sense of disconnection.

Whether I'm called Jedi or Queen of the fairies, what I believe and what I live remains the same. Its just a word. When you don't use the word people don't bring preconceived ideas into the discussion. Perhaps when you realize that they are interested in what you're talking about, then tell them. But its easier to introduce it after they are already on board

My mother is the person I talk to most about this. I could best describe her as an odd mixture of a Wiccan, Buddhist, spiritualist who still believes that the Christian God exists (yeah, its complex!) She is one of the most open minded people I have ever met, and even she rolls her eyes a little when I say Jedi. But then, shes never even watched Star Wars (the shame!)

I tend to feel like "Jedi" is mine alone. Like a quiet secret refuge that I don't need to share. I talk about the concepts all the time, but the terminology... not so much.

When people ask me about my religion, I always explain the whole thing first before telling them what it's called. That way they understand that it is a legitimate religion and they accept it as a religion before they hear me say "Jedi." Then they can't really laugh at it as a joke because they have already accepted it before I told them what it is called. That's just my advice on getting people to take you seriously.

As far as the disconnect, I wish we could have more face to face interaction. I like that about the church that I attend when I am home from school, and it would be great if that could work here. Unfortunately, since we are so thinly spread out, it seems as if we may have to wait a while to get groups together in some areas. I think that Skype is a good option, PMs are always good ways to talk to people, and joining each other's pages either on the Temple's social networking site or on a site like Facebook is also a good way to get to know people more. It isn't the perfect situation, but it's a good compromise for the time being.

I can completely relate to this. I've only been here a few weeks and I'm a pretty shy and reserved person so I've come in contact with very few people in TOTJO. And other than not really knowing anyone online, I don't know anyone in "real life" (for lack of a better word) that is a member.
I was in a coffee shop yesterday working on my studies and ran into some friends. I did my best to explain to them what I was working on but I found that having a conversation with them about Jediism was extremely difficult.
It's just rough not having a face to face person that you can relate to on such a deep level. Our beliefs are such a large part of our lives so not being able to sit down with someone and talk to them about it kind of sucks. It has left me feeling somewhat alone at times.
So basically, I understand where you're coming from. It can pretty difficult to get to know people from behind a computer screen.

There is an old quote i would like to recite. "The Tao that has a name is not the endless or unchanging Tao" Titles and names, are just that. Sometimes when we try to explain thing's, especially beliefs or philosophy a lot can get lost in the telling. I mean how do you try to explain something like the force to others? Does a fish know it is in water? does it understand the ocean is all around it? binding it and keeping it alive? Does it know the ocean provides life and takes it away in its harsh un-biased way? We are all like fish, some of us are aware that we swim in an ocean and some of us are not.
Let your actions explain to your friends rather than your word's people react more to what we do than waht we say.

Some very wise things have been said here and I thank you all for your opinions and advice very much. I've been going through a period in my life where a lot is changing and I have to rethink everything. It is nice to know that I can always find support here and that others know what I a going through. I suppose I just need to let time go by and evolve the relationships that I have, as well as accept other potential relationships to regain my social health. If others accept me for who I am then without even talking about being a jedi I can know that they understand it simply because they see how I practice it every day. In getting to know others, I can better understand myself. I would like to share my immense gratitude to all who have posted here. I have come to a much better understanding through your comments and advice.

Thank you and may the Force be with you.

I think TOTJO is trying to expand beyond jediism? like in the sense that jediism is the philosophy right? but who are the people behind it?? So my guess is, this "social media bs" is doing exactly that. We might not talk about the ideology as much as other sites, but lets not forget those other sites are prone to extremism or just stupid website politics.

I think you're right Sidvkili. Though I don't think it isn't that we don't talk about it as much, I simply think it isn't forced on people as much. The initiates program is a good way to learn some about the ideology while you can post about other things to learn about the people and gain a better sense of community here.

And take a moment to imagine an "extremist" Jedi. I don't even know what that might mean, lol. The only way to take the Jedi Doctrine to the extreme might be to become a monk, but even then you might be ignoring some of the important tenants of Jediism. While Jediism is fairly flexible, it is also hard to twist into some sick excuse for being a terrible person and doing "extremist" activities.

Another take on an extremist Jedi might just be some role-playing or acting, but that generally isn't fed into on TOTJO either so it doesn't last long.

Raikoutenshi wrote: I apologize for my personal issues causing some drama here. I had no intentions of that.

You are not the cause of anything untoward...

Raikoutenshi wrote: I also did not mean to make TOTJO seem like it wasn't my "real-life". I take this seriously as it is a very important thing in my life right now and I most definitely don't think of it as role-playing. I simply couldn't find the correct phrasing for what I would really like to say. As Alex said it is a feeling, and feelings lose meaning when you try and put words to them.

That is not how you have been coming across - at least to me

I've met over half a dozen people from TotJO... it can happen and one day it will for you as well!

sidvkili wrote: I think TOTJO is trying to expand beyond jediism? like in the sense that jediism is the philosophy right? but who are the people behind it?? So my guess is, this "social media bs" is doing exactly that

If we don't use this then we get accused of just being 'arm-chair Jedi' - people just pretending to be Jedi and hiding behind a screen. This new site, more than ever before, shows that we are just people like every other person...

As for extremist Jedi... I know of some extremist Jedi and they typically don't do very well on our site so don't stay around or post much...