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#Post#: 178--------------------------------------------------
Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: November 11, 2022, 7:11 pm
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Chapter 15 - Do Not Pass: Stay In Your Own Lane
"We can be what we are. We can see only what we see, feel only
what they feel." I like this chapter because it compares what we
think spiritual people should be and do versus a spiritual
practice in today's environment. To emulate perfection based on
what we see and minimize the frustration, uncertainties, or
experiencing any situations that would make us question our
intentions and spiritual connections. What is our ideal
spiritual representation?
Travel Tip:
Choose any tips to answer because we probably asked ourselves
many of these questions or acted upon what we believe will put
us on the right path. For instance, there are times when I just
can't do anything else but laugh at myself. Just throw the arms
up and have a giggle. Also, resolving to do better. It's a
practice to be aware and learn from mistakes, and the only
avenue to cruise on is the Avenue "Do Better."
Chapter 16 - Use All Lanes Available
This chapter is a humbling life lesson. Dr. Goldberg makes a
point of how we go above and beyond to transcend on a spiritual
path that we end up getting lost along the way doing so. He's
telling us we can find a lesson and spirituality in many
situations, and using his father as a spiritual practice taught
him the true meaning of Bhakti and Karma yoga. As he mentioned,
I also said, "As you progress on your path, you may feel
alienated by those who don't share your spiritual outlook. How
do you resolve this? What do you do? What is the lesson needed
to be learned?
Travel Tip
What is your main spiritual challenge? I'm not talking about
faith-based. I'm talking about some things that may bring us
some angst or challenge our thought processes. I take issue with
my boundaries not being respected. I know some people handle
things differently and grew up not adhering to boundaries, but I
like to be very firm in mine. So I have to work on reminding
myself others have their way of living, and it's ok for them,
and I have to be aware of that. They may have never learned
about boundaries, so what does this teach me? To be reminded of
it and keep my boundaries. A spiritual challenge.
Chapter 17 - Check Attachments At The Gate
Attachments! We have many of them! The seesaw of what to hold
onto, what to let go of, what means a lot, what doesn't mean a
lot, etc. This chapter helps to reflect on the kleshas because
it relates to suffering. Should I care? Should I not care? What
defines non-attachments in our individual lives?
Travel Tip - Focus on travel tip 3 - If it hollers, let it go.
One of these questions we probably asked ourselves before. "Is
it of practical use or just a security blanket?" That was my
revelation and coming to terms with weed. I realized it was a
clutch, a security blanket, and a way to cope. Luckily breaking
from the bond was liberating, and although I have smoked here
and there now and again, it is with confidence I can safely say
I no longer have that bond.
#Post#: 181--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: heidi91@comcast.net Date: November 16, 2022, 8:06 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Ch 15 question 2 who my spiritual role model who I admire made
me smile and laugh in a good way. Like I said before I was
raised Catholic but as a young adult didn’t always attend mass
and didn’t have a close relationship with the priest at our
church they always made me nervous like I felt I couldn’t talk
to them almost I was intimidated by them. Until I met father
Bennett. I met him thru my husband, they work together at Saint
Anselm college. I have gotten to know many of the priest at the
college and they have definitely changed my view since I was a
teenager. Fr. Bennett is extremely patient, funny,
understanding, loving, kind and open. His view on life and
people is simple. He’s gracious yet firm. He’s helped so many
young adults find their way in life and help guide them to
become the best versions of themselves. His openness and
optimism on life is contagious. I can’t help but smile when I
think of him and when I see him we talk and laugh and I always
leave him feeling so much lighter in life.
Chapter 16 question 2…the waiting game really spoke to me. I
need to ( I’m currently working on it) learn to slow down to
learn that being idle is ok not to think of it as wasted time.
Having more patients with people for who they are and where they
are. A friend of mine said “stop and smell the roses “ use this
phrase in my mind or out loud to help me slow down. I’m learning
to not over book myself with work or life learning to say no…..
just like you Erin K I’m taking your lead 🥰
Chapter 17 question 2 simplify, the one good thing I will take
away from the pandemic is it helped me get rid of people who
didn’t serve me anymore not to sound mean but friends or clients
who took way to much energy from me. The “Life suckers “ we call
them. Learning to distance myself for their negative energy
helped my be more present with myself and allowed me to grow and
be happier In m day to day life.
#Post#: 182--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: oliviamarotta Date: November 19, 2022, 10:33 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 15 - Do Not Pass: Stay In Your Own Lane
Travel Tip: #3
I would say that when I don’t measure up to my ideal of
spiritual behavior, I torture myself with feelings of
inadequacy. I am someone who can understand and learn topics
that are concrete and definitive more easily than philosophy or
spirituality. I tend to see things in black and white and like
to accomplish tasks, such as a math problem, or an essay, and
concepts that require a lot of interpretation and thought are
more difficult to measure with these benchmarks of achievement.
I initially was drawn to the asana element of yoga when I signed
up for YTT, as it was something I could visualize and feel in my
own body. I often feel as though I am behind in the spirituality
aspect and that my peers are so enlightened and open, however I
am trying to remind myself that spiritual development takes time
and is an evolution of thought patterns and behaviors that
cannot be accomplished overnight. I think that I have mentioned
in the forum before that I tend to be very critical of myself
and struggle with feeling as though I am enough and am doing
enough. I would like to shift my perspective and not worry so
much about the value I put in my productivity and what I can
accomplish, but rather find value in who I am and how I make
others feel.
Chapter 16 - Use All Lanes Available
Travel Tip #1: What is your main spiritual challenge?
I would say that my main spiritual challenge is relinquishing
control. I value my independence and rely on my own ability and
willpower to do things when I want. Spontaneity and a
willingness to change my plans or follow an itinerary that has
been predetermined for me is a struggle of mine. I don’t like to
be told what to do, when to do it, or how to do it, and would
rather figure it out myself. I think that this radical sense of
independence comes from years of people commenting about how my
four brothers take care of me and must be so protective over me,
and trying to prove that I can manage just fine on my own. I
think that being open to hearing the experiences of others,
accepting assistance when I experience feelings of insecurity or
uncertainty, and trusting that things will pan out the way they
are meant to will help me overcome this spiritual challenge.
Chapter 17 - Check Attachments At The Gate
Travel Tip #2: Simplify
This one spoke to me as it discusses physical attachments and
how getting rid of material things that no longer serve you free
up both physical and mental space. My family moved out of our
childhood home last year, and I wish I had read this book then.
I remember how overwhelmed I felt surrounded by all of the stuff
I had accumulated throughout my whole life and trying to sort it
into categories: clothes to keep, things to give away,
sentimental items, hobbies, memorabilia from extracurriculars,
etc. Although it was a daunting task, it was also an opportunity
to cleanse and get rid of things that no longer held any meaning
or value in my life, and detach from them. This idea of starting
fresh comes from freeing yourself of attachments and making room
for the important things.
#Post#: 185--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: Niki Ehrenkranz Date: November 21, 2022, 7:44 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 15
I am having a really hard time answering these questions…
My ideal spiritual person has a practice or an understating to
be connected with something outside of them. Is balanced, being
educated but has drive to self-improvement, has self-love and
acceptance but not a narcissist. Acknowledges pain or difficult
times but doesn’t dwell in them. Enjoys and craves being in
nature but can also find peace in their own home.
Chapter 16
My spiritual challenges are negative self-talk, pressure to feel
productive, and ability to let go. We live in a society of
go-getters; it’s hard not to compare myself to others. I am
working on re-wiring my brain to be kinder to my body and
myself.
I’m laughing to myself how much easier this question is to
answer then the one in chapter 15, it’s so much easier to
acknowledge the negative.
Chapter 17
I have a couple thoughts here- an attachment to my job and being
attached to feelings of guilt.
I think about letting go of my job because it’s unfulfilling and
monotonous. My job is definitely holding me back spiritually as
I do not align with the pharmaceutical industry. It’s a literal
income, benefit, and insurance security blanket. It’s really
hard to rip the Band-Aid off and leave corporate America. Unsure
if leaving this job will make me freer or more stressed. I often
say my job allows me to do the things that I want to do. Could
this be an attachment to money?
I hold onto a lot of baggage, conversations that happened years
ago, wrongdoings to people, comments that I should’ve kept to
myself, replaying memories. It’s a conditioned behavior to go
straight toward the negative. Dwelling on a past life. I am
learning to be present, continuing to be better person then
before.
#Post#: 198--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: November 22, 2022, 1:02 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=heidi91@comcast.net link=topic=16.msg181#msg181
date=1668607594]
Ch 15 question 2 who my spiritual role model who I admire made
me smile and laugh in a good way. Like I said before I was
raised Catholic but as a young adult didn’t always attend mass
and didn’t have a close relationship with the priest at our
church they always made me nervous like I felt I couldn’t talk
to them almost I was intimidated by them. Until I met father
Bennett. I met him thru my husband, they work together at Saint
Anselm college. I have gotten to know many of the priest at the
college and they have definitely changed my view since I was a
teenager. Fr. Bennett is extremely patient, funny,
understanding, loving, kind and open. His view on life and
people is simple. He’s gracious yet firm. He’s helped so many
young adults find their way in life and help guide them to
become the best versions of themselves. His openness and
optimism on life is contagious. I can’t help but smile when I
think of him and when I see him we talk and laugh and I always
leave him feeling so much lighter in life.
Chapter 16 question 2…the waiting game really spoke to me. I
need to ( I’m currently working on it) learn to slow down to
learn that being idle is ok not to think of it as wasted time.
Having more patients with people for who they are and where they
are. A friend of mine said “stop and smell the roses “ use this
phrase in my mind or out loud to help me slow down. I’m learning
to not over book myself with work or life learning to say no…..
just like you Erin K I’m taking your lead 🥰
Chapter 17 question 2 simplify, the one good thing I will take
away from the pandemic is it helped me get rid of people who
didn’t serve me anymore not to sound mean but friends or clients
who took way to much energy from me. The “Life suckers “ we call
them. Learning to distance myself for their negative energy
helped my be more present with myself and allowed me to grow and
be happier In m day to day life.
[/quote]
Father Bennett sounds amazing! The qualities listed and his
fatherly approach to life drawing in comfort in knowing he's a
person you can turn to. Shout to Erin K as an example to you
Heidi, saying no and being ok with it. Slowing down a bit and
smelling those roses.
Life suckers are a drag and kudos to you for eliminating them
from your life. Send them love and light but they no longer
serve!
#Post#: 199--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: November 22, 2022, 1:13 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=oliviamarotta link=topic=16.msg182#msg182
date=1668918786]
Chapter 15 - Do Not Pass: Stay In Your Own Lane
Travel Tip: #3
I would say that when I don’t measure up to my ideal of
spiritual behavior, I torture myself with feelings of
inadequacy. I am someone who can understand and learn topics
that are concrete and definitive more easily than philosophy or
spirituality. I tend to see things in black and white and like
to accomplish tasks, such as a math problem, or an essay, and
concepts that require a lot of interpretation and thought are
more difficult to measure with these benchmarks of achievement.
I initially was drawn to the asana element of yoga when I signed
up for YTT, as it was something I could visualize and feel in my
own body. I often feel as though I am behind in the spirituality
aspect and that my peers are so enlightened and open, however I
am trying to remind myself that spiritual development takes time
and is an evolution of thought patterns and behaviors that
cannot be accomplished overnight. I think that I have mentioned
in the forum before that I tend to be very critical of myself
and struggle with feeling as though I am enough and am doing
enough. I would like to shift my perspective and not worry so
much about the value I put in my productivity and what I can
accomplish, but rather find value in who I am and how I make
others feel.
Chapter 16 - Use All Lanes Available
Travel Tip #1: What is your main spiritual challenge?
I would say that my main spiritual challenge is relinquishing
control. I value my independence and rely on my own ability and
willpower to do things when I want. Spontaneity and a
willingness to change my plans or follow an itinerary that has
been predetermined for me is a struggle of mine. I don’t like to
be told what to do, when to do it, or how to do it, and would
rather figure it out myself. I think that this radical sense of
independence comes from years of people commenting about how my
four brothers take care of me and must be so protective over me,
and trying to prove that I can manage just fine on my own. I
think that being open to hearing the experiences of others,
accepting assistance when I experience feelings of insecurity or
uncertainty, and trusting that things will pan out the way they
are meant to will help me overcome this spiritual challenge.
Chapter 17 - Check Attachments At The Gate
Travel Tip #2: Simplify
This one spoke to me as it discusses physical attachments and
how getting rid of material things that no longer serve you free
up both physical and mental space. My family moved out of our
childhood home last year, and I wish I had read this book then.
I remember how overwhelmed I felt surrounded by all of the stuff
I had accumulated throughout my whole life and trying to sort it
into categories: clothes to keep, things to give away,
sentimental items, hobbies, memorabilia from extracurriculars,
etc. Although it was a daunting task, it was also an opportunity
to cleanse and get rid of things that no longer held any meaning
or value in my life, and detach from them. This idea of starting
fresh comes from freeing yourself of attachments and making room
for the important things.
[/quote]
Spirituality is something we dabble in because, at times, it
defies what we dominate left-brain thinkers and analyzers search
for. Concrete evidence makes more sense! Spirituality comes for
everyone when the time is right, and how much of it depends on
the individual. You're so right when you said it takes time, and
nothing happens overnight. Remember, Olivia; you ARE ENOUGH!
Relinquishing control is tough, and as you highlighted, being
told what to do does not sit well for us independent, driven
individuals. Having four brothers and proving you can look after
yourself can be a lot! Deep down, you know all they want to do
is help, but that juxtaposition of knowing it's there but not
needed all the time is a balancing act. Definitely a spiritual
challenge, but you'll handle it with grace.
#Post#: 202--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: Dmurphy193 Date: November 24, 2022, 11:21 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 15, #1: My idea of a truly spiritual person is someone
who is wise, open minded, can just flow with whatever life
brings and keeps a positive outlook on things. I always think of
someone who gives advice that is in your best interest and not
just advice given from their opinions or judgements.
Chapter 16, #3: Reduce speed: I think that a lot of us struggle
with trying to slow things down and being ok with not always
being go, go, go. Often when I have an opportunity to slow it
down, I find it hard to relax and shut my mind off from thinking
about how many things that I need to still get done. Finding
time to myself, to decompress from all the running around that
life demands is much needed and making time in my day to go to
yoga, workout or even sometimes just zone out from the world and
do a mindless activity, helps with feeling like I have to
constantly doing something productive.
Chapter 17, #3: If it hollers, let it go: Over the past year, I
feel like my priorities have changed a lot. I used to think that
I wanted a nice big house, nice car, materialistic things but it
just keeps going from there. Now, I feel like the idea of being
free from that hustle society is more or less what interests me.
Having less materialistic possessions that require more of your
time to upkeep is what I’m after now. the previous chapter is
ideal to me, slowing it down and doing more things that I enjoy
doing, without feeling like a slave to a job that you don’t want
to do but have to do, to maintain a particular lifestyle is less
appealing to me then it ever has been.
#Post#: 205--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: Kelli Cook Date: November 26, 2022, 8:41 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 15
Travel Tip #1
As Nikki mentioned, I am also having a really hard time
answering the travel tips for this chapter. Reading Roadsigns
is really the first step into a spiritual outlook to me outside
of organized religion. I never thought of a different way of
thinking. I just knew I did not enjoy going to Catholic Church.
I want to believe there was a life before us and after us, but
I never really thought deeply about it. I know I want to be a
good person, a kind person, and do what is right. So to me, I
guess that is what I would say would be the qualities of a
spiritual person. Caring, thoughtful, kind, non-judgemental,
understanding, and open-minded.
Chapter 16 - Use All Lanes Available
Travel Tip #1: What is your main spiritual challenge?
I don’t know if this is answering it correctly, but I would say
my main spiritual challenge is being content in my life and what
I have AND doing what I feel is right for me and my family.
This takes me back to one of the reasons I left social media. I
found myself always comparing what others have. Wanting what
others had. I always seemed to feel down or feel like I needed
to buy more and so more for my wardrobe or house when looking
through social media. The more so over the last couple of years
after becoming a mom, it spiraled me and I realized it was a
problem. I was putting so much pressure on myself and my son to
follow what all the “experts” said about sleep, milestones,
eating habits, and so on and so on. It drove me nuts and made
me unhappy and not present in what I had. I have a loving
husband, a beautiful son, and a roof over my head. It did not
matter what kind of kitchen table I had or if my baby could put
himself to sleep. It sounds ridiculous typing this all out, but
it is SO true and not having that pressure on myself every day,
I truly believe has made a difference. So my spiritual
challenge is to be present, happy, and content with my life.
Chapter 17 - Check Attachments At The Gate
#3: If it hollers, let it go
Byeeee social media! Lol No but really, this ties into what I
just said above. I am having a hard time thinking of something
else to use here for an example but what I will say is I am
going to take these questions with me and see if I can notice
any “security blankets” or habits that may benefit me in
letting go.
#Post#: 209--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: erin_kelly Date: November 27, 2022, 6:07 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 15
Travel Tip #3
I would say that when I don’t measure up to my ideal of
spiritual behavior, I punish myself with guilt. Since going to
therapy I have learned that I tend to consume myself in guilt
and feel like I am not doing something right. I feel as though
part of my spiritual journey is letting go of guilt and
remembering it is just a feeling and that no one is perfect.
Chapter 16
Travel Tip #1
What is your main spiritual challenge? My spiritual challenge is
setting boundaries and saying no. I have learned recently that
I'm type two on the enneagram test which means I have the
tendency to be people pleasing. It can be really hard to not
want to help people even if it can ruin my peace. My challenge
is to start creating more boundaries so I can keep my peace.
Chapter 17
Travel Tip #3
If it hollers, let it go. I feel like I am in the middle of this
right now. I am having a hard time figuring out if an attachment
needs to be discarded. I feel like many aspects of my life are
being questioned like relationships, goals and behavior
patterns. The questions included in the travel tip are helpful
to reflect on.
#Post#: 211--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: November 28, 2022, 8:15 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=Darren link=topic=16.msg202#msg202
date=1669310460]
Chapter 15, #1: My idea of a truly spiritual person is someone
who is wise, open minded, can just flow with whatever life
brings and keeps a positive outlook on things. I always think of
someone who gives advice that is in your best interest and not
just advice given from their opinions or judgements.
Chapter 16, #3: Reduce speed: I think that a lot of us struggle
with trying to slow things down and being ok with not always
being go, go, go. Often when I have an opportunity to slow it
down, I find it hard to relax and shut my mind off from thinking
about how many things that I need to still get done. Finding
time to myself, to decompress from all the running around that
life demands is much needed and making time in my day to go to
yoga, workout or even sometimes just zone out from the world and
do a mindless activity, helps with feeling like I have to
constantly doing something productive.
Chapter 17, #3: If it hollers, let it go: Over the past year, I
feel like my priorities have changed a lot. I used to think that
I wanted a nice big house, nice car, materialistic things but it
just keeps going from there. Now, I feel like the idea of being
free from that hustle society is more or less what interests me.
Having less materialistic possessions that require more of your
time to upkeep is what I’m after now. the previous chapter is
ideal to me, slowing it down and doing more things that I enjoy
doing, without feeling like a slave to a job that you don’t want
to do but have to do, to maintain a particular lifestyle is less
appealing to me then it ever has been.
[/quote]
Slowing down is hard for many and others; picking up the pace
can be equally difficult. Freedom from the hustle society, less
is more. :-) It's interesting how our perspectives and
priorities change, and you're a person who is dabbling in an
expansion of mind, trying on different lenses to gain insight on
what is best for you. Kudos!
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