tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675529654391699784.post7494758415527976451..comments2021-06-20T19:25:30.279-07:00Comments on Maybe it's complicated.: Do you miss those things?Aaron Whitfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16344408923262106208noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675529654391699784.post-56319767697209240572014-01-19T04:14:40.979-08:002014-01-19T04:14:40.979-08:00Hey Lily, for a slew of reasons, the idea of the U...Hey Lily, for a slew of reasons, the idea of the UU church is off-putting to me. But perhaps I don't fully understand their philosophy. I sort of feel that those longings we've both mentioned (belonging, security, etc.) are permanently linked to a version of myself that no longer exists and trying to recreate them would just feel hollow. My dad doesn't necessarily have a youthful sense of wonder; He gets some of it back marveling at the grand-kids, but that happens to most everyone, faithful or not. I think belonging can happen at every stage in life depending how open we are to accepting others. Without church or school, my life lacks a gathering ritual. Theoretically shows are supposed to be that way, but they don't translate the same. Perhaps in adulthood we've gained priorities in such a way that connecting with those around us is no longer at the forefront. As a kid I just befriended whoever was sitting next to me, no filters. There are moments where I feel the old sense of belonging (with the Rev guys, fam), maybe they're just not as abundant, whereas school/church was an every day/week thing. I imagine we can evolve to find a state of mind that sees 'richness' regularly, but for me the weight of responsibility is ever present in the back of my mind blurring my vision. I don't really think there is a finish-line where once we accomplish goals we'll suddenly feel 'whole', but having goals and working for them is surely rewarding in itself. Candy and I are hoping/trying to make 2014 a year where we really bolster outlets for creativity so the vitality sucking times aren't as heavy. Here's to hoping and trying...and dreaming!Aaron Whitfieldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16344408923262106208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675529654391699784.post-25150534308028621862014-01-17T16:21:34.889-08:002014-01-17T16:21:34.889-08:00Have you ever considered a UU congregation? I atte...Have you ever considered a UU congregation? I attended one sometime last year, craving that sense of belonging. Their values matched with mine well and I felt very welcomed, though I ended up deciding that I wasn't ready for the commitment of joining a church at the time (though, the future is open and I like the idea for an older-Lily). <br /><br />Do you feel like your dad still has that sense of wonder that youth gave you? Do you feel that those who have lost that bright hopefulness or even just that sense of belonging will gain it back one day through means other than faith? I wonder sometimes as I chase my dreams, many of which promise the idea of a more meaningful life, if I will feel different once I've fulfilled those aspirations or if having a life whole and rich-with-meaning is simply a state of mind not dependent on external factors. What do you think?Lilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11130218740916537071noreply@blogger.com