Problems with others

Upon telling some close friends that I was interested in Jediism and had sent in an application to the TOTjO, I was met with ridicule and many questions of "why?" Or "you're crazy." Has anyone else experienced any sort of ridicule or mockery for your decision?

May The Force be with you, in this life and the next.

I brought this topic about my new life commitment to my long time girlfriend and it was met with immediate subject change. When I attempted it again it was dismissed as a nice thing but just a phase. I do not expect many to understand these type of changes because it's not accepted as a common choice or even a sane choice because of the misconception that this way is just a nerdvana rather than a chosen life path.

Hi, Malcolm

I've only recently joined the Temple, and have talked with a few friends about Jediism. I haven't been met with a "you're crazy" yet, but I have been asked "why?" - and I've just been honest. I tell them what it means to me, how well it matches my personal belief system(s), and that it's a serious spiritual path, not a joke. Everyone was pretty cool about it after I spent a few minutes explaining the training program, the syncretic aspects, and how diverse and friendly the community is.

It may just take some people a little longer to take in and evaluate what you've told them, you know? If necessary, you could direct those individuals to information on the web (this site, Wikipedia, and so on). Some people don't believe things until they read them (even though most information available on the net is about 50% accurate - if you're lucky ).

I'm sorry that you're dealing with this, Malcolm. I wouldn't let it get you down, though. The longer you're a part of something (anything) the more acceptable it becomes to people around you. At least that's been my experience with most of the paths I've walked that were considered strange by others. All the best to you, and may the Force be with you, as well.

I'm hung up on this and still trying to deal with it. I'm giving it time.

Arcade wrote: It may just take some people a little longer to take in and evaluate what you've told them, you know? If necessary, you could direct those individuals to information on the web (this site, Wikipedia, and so on). Some people don't believe things until they read them (even if most of what's available on the net is about 50% accurate - if you're lucky ).

WHAT?

NO WAY!!



lol...

My wife of 15 years thinks "its all fake and we are a bunch of idiots"...

It was my midlife crisis, lol...

She would feel that way had I found jesus...

None of us choose this, path, because it was what all the other kids were doing...

Ok, those of us who are serious...

There's always some goofballs wanting to play around, but those don't last too long around here...

Welcome to TOTJO...

My friends are convinced I'm not gonna make it and that the amount of time, effort, and thought you must put into this will wear me down to the point of quitting. This isn't the case. I am in this for the long run. This is what I want to do and be a member of.

Slightly relating to the topic how do I go about locating like minds in my area or at least my state.

Malcolm Serenity wrote: My friends are convinced I'm not gonna make it and that the amount of time, effort, and thought you must put into this will wear me down to the point of quitting. This isn't the case. I am in this for the long run. This is what I want to do and be a member of.

Remember, this isnt a race... do some work here, think about what you've heard...

Think about what you think about, join in the conversations....

Sone of us have been walking this path in solitary for 30+ years, i happen to be one...

Others started a month ago...

We specialize in the cerebral side of life... Experience, the application of the knowledge you gain is also required...

Its easy to read and talk theory, its another to walk it....

@ctspann, in the "offline activities" forum there is a "jedi map"

Im changing it tomorrow to one controled by totjo tomorrow... I've been meaning to, its as good a reason as any...

Haters are gonna hate....the best revenge is to go on with being a jedi, paying no attention to the negativity...then in time they will begin to see you differently...and it probably wouldn't hurt to mention that the u.s. military does recognize it as a religion...we have lots of active duty members, and ex military, some even have it stamped on their tags....

new gods arise when they are needed- josephine w. Johnson

Taking that quote into consideration, the force has arose, the jedi are needed....

"Ignorance is bliss"

People often joke about things they do not understand, it is their way of dealing with it, because you are their friend they won't attack you so they humor you. Don't see it as them trying to be nasty, because to them being a Jedi might just mean role playing, I have told my family about my choice and they just think it is amusing and take little to no interest when I mention something about it as if it were to have 0 credibility.

Thing is people are more attached to you being you, than you are. It is why people "notice" you have changed yet you do not notice it, you think you are just being you...yet they think you are different.

So don't take it to heart or anything, just laugh it off with them and offer explanation.