Belief Systems

While I was listening to 'The Mythology of Star Wars', I was reminded of a statement made by William James:

"The world we see that seems so insane is the result of a belief system that is not working. To perceive the world differently, we must be willing to change our belief system, let the past slip away, expand our sense of now, and dissolve the fear in our minds."

It made me wonder if there are many people at the Temple who have experienced or are going through this process?

I would think that it is an ongoing experience for all of us. We slip sometimes, but as long as each time we get back up and continue I think we may all eventually get there

I have certainly experienced this. Since joining the Temple I have heard of and experienced things that would have seemed utterly impossible to me not so long ago.

I think it is less about changing your beliefs, more about suspending them, or letting go of them.

It is best not to dismiss an idea unless/until you have something you see as clear evidence that it is wrong. If I come across an idea which kinda sounds ridiculous, but hasn't got any evidence countering it, I keep a open-mind about it and say to myself "I can't force my brain to stop thinking it sounds a little nuts, but I can refuse to completely dismiss the possibility that it could be true".

Sheuthem wrote: While I was listening to 'The Mythology of Star Wars', I was reminded of a statement made by William James:

"The world we see that seems so insane is the result of a belief system that is not working. To perceive the world differently, we must be willing to change our belief system, let the past slip away, expand our sense of now, and dissolve the fear in our minds."

It made me wonder if there are many people at the Temple who have experienced or are going through this process?

I went through this as soon as I joined actually. My beliefs had caused me to become quite irritated with the world and I felt as though the beliefs I had held onto were tying me to a past of pain, heartbreak and misery. I felt that in order to start over I had to forget everything I had learned previously in my life and open my mind to understanding things in different ways. Some of those beliefs have come back but I view them differently now, as mere possibilities rather than as absolute truth. Others have not come back back and perhaps never will. I chose to let go of my fear of losing what I had worked to gain in this life, so that I might find peace with what was happening to me. I do not recommend this path to everyone however if this is what you believe you must do, as I did, then do not be afraid to let go of the things that you feel are restraining you from finding peace.

Thanks everyone, there are many things that I am struggling to find satisfactory answers to, things that informed the way I look at the world, but now I struggle with accepting as being literally true. It's nice to find a place where so many people are open and honest about how they think and feel about so many different subjects. I am happy to be a part of this

Sheuthem wrote: Thanks everyone, there are many things that I am struggling to find satisfactory answers to, things that informed the way I look at the world, but now I struggle with accepting as being literally true. It's nice to find a place where so many people are open and honest about how they think and feel about so many different subjects. I am happy to be a part of this

We are happy to be there with you and to help you when you need it