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Author
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Topic: How Does One Cultivate Faith?
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paras
Knowflake Posts: 1660
From: the Heart of It All
Registered: May 2004
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posted September 24, 2004 07:25 PM
 
How does one cultivate faith?"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." I believe this to be true. It is a simple statement of the power of faith to manifest things into reality. So how does a person of little faith cultivate more within himself? How does one learn how to have faith? This is especially difficult for me, because I am someone who has always believed in logic. But logic relies on facts, on evidence -- what if I have none to reason with? Then there is fear. Linda says "fear is a powerful form of faith -- faith in the negative." Interestingly, when I feel fear, logic seems to be its ally. Logic always seems to be able to create evidence for what I fear will happen. How do I overcome fear and find faith? IP: Logged |
LibraSparkle
Knowflake Posts: 6034
From: Vancouver USA
Registered: May 2004
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posted September 24, 2004 07:38 PM
What are you struggling with faith in? Divinity? Self? Others?IP: Logged |
paras
Knowflake Posts: 1660
From: the Heart of It All
Registered: May 2004
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posted September 24, 2004 07:46 PM
Everything... anything... does it matter?IP: Logged |
LibraSparkle
Knowflake Posts: 6034
From: Vancouver USA
Registered: May 2004
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posted September 24, 2004 07:50 PM
I have a hard time believing that you don't have any faith, Paras.Not that I'm questioning your honesty  You seem to have faith in Astrology... in LG... in what she has offered up for us to learn from. IP: Logged |
pixelpixie
Knowflake Posts: 5301
From: Ontario Canada
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted September 24, 2004 07:55 PM
Define faith~ what meaning does it have to you?
I know your interpretation would certainly be more progressive than others' would be.
Some require blindness for faith.. true faith.. others, simply trust and belief.What does faith mean to you, as in how will you know you have arrived when the question troubles you so? IP: Logged |
paras
Knowflake Posts: 1660
From: the Heart of It All
Registered: May 2004
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posted September 24, 2004 09:10 PM
That's kind of you to say, LibraSparkle. As for faith in astrology, it doesn't require faith for me to believe in it. I've been practicing it for years, and it proves its truth to me every day and every hour, in everyone I come into contact with.I thought the word "faith" pretty much defined itself, Pixie...? IP: Logged |
pixelpixie
Knowflake Posts: 5301
From: Ontario Canada
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted September 24, 2004 09:17 PM
Nope.. everything is interpretive.
Especially words with such power as "Faith".
It can't be defined like 'milk'.
It is like cookies~ Which kind.. chewy, crunchy, macadamia, chocolate, nougat, macaroon, peanut butter.. and what will you have with your cookie? How do you like your cookie? What does your cookie mean to you, what is your favourite, and how did it become your favourite? Are there powerful memories associated with cookies?
Do you bake them, or buy them?IP: Logged |
paras
Knowflake Posts: 1660
From: the Heart of It All
Registered: May 2004
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posted September 24, 2004 09:24 PM
Main Entry: 1faith
Pronunciation: 'fAth
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural faiths /'fAths, sometimes 'fA[th]z/
Etymology: Middle English feith, from Old French feid, foi, from Latin fides; akin to Latin fidere to trust -- more at BIDE
1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : LOYALTY b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions
2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust
3 : something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs
synonym see BELIEF
- in faith : without doubt or question : VERILYIP: Logged |
paras
Knowflake Posts: 1660
From: the Heart of It All
Registered: May 2004
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posted September 24, 2004 09:26 PM
Hrmm... the more I look at it, the more my supposed 'lack of faith' seems silly...IP: Logged |
paras
Knowflake Posts: 1660
From: the Heart of It All
Registered: May 2004
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posted September 24, 2004 09:29 PM
Maybe the more pertinent question is, how do I resist the fears and doubts and negative thinking that try to gnaw at my faith?IP: Logged |
pixelpixie
Knowflake Posts: 5301
From: Ontario Canada
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted September 24, 2004 09:45 PM
Keep them countered with your Libran sense of balance and perspective.
You have to examine things, keep them fresh and raw, in order to determine what makes faith work for you.
How to turn the Noun 'Faith' into a Verb.IP: Logged |
paras
Knowflake Posts: 1660
From: the Heart of It All
Registered: May 2004
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posted September 24, 2004 09:59 PM
I like that, Pixie, thank you!    IP: Logged |
pixelpixie
Knowflake Posts: 5301
From: Ontario Canada
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted September 24, 2004 10:08 PM
Why do I always feel a little giddy at the mention of approval?
Glad a different perspective pleased you.IP: Logged |
pixelpixie
Knowflake Posts: 5301
From: Ontario Canada
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted September 24, 2004 10:19 PM
Oh yeah... sixth house Moon.. I forgot for a second that's why.IP: Logged |
juniperb
Knowflake Posts: 6830
From: Blue Star Kachina
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted September 24, 2004 11:11 PM
Your answer lays within you: Know Thyself Pixie  I am humbled when the you-of- you shines. 
------------------
If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. ~James Herriot IP: Logged |
paras
Knowflake Posts: 1660
From: the Heart of It All
Registered: May 2004
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posted September 24, 2004 11:18 PM
What do you mean, Juniper? Tell me more...IP: Logged |
Gia
Knowflake Posts: 1154
From: California
Registered: May 2004
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posted September 25, 2004 12:12 AM
I asked this question myself once. I was told that practice makes perfect. When I complained that it was too hard. He smiled and told me it was the easiest thing in the world. Start with yourself. I have so much faith in you Paras. I know you'll feel so differently in two years. I also know you'll remember my words.The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Nobody seemed very hungry
Nobody seemed to care
Nobody saw the God in him
Quietly standing there. Gia
Gia
IP: Logged |
lioneye68
Knowflake Posts: 6062
From: Canada
Registered: Apr 2003
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posted September 25, 2004 12:37 AM
Hi, Paras
When you say you want to have more faith, do you mean optimism, like everything will turn out ok? Or do you mean, faith that there is a god who wants nothing but abundance and joy for us? Or, do you mean faith in yourself, to do and be whatever it is you're cut out for, or that you actually ARE cut out for something on this planet? Because, regardless of which one it is, I think the solution might be the same for all of them. I suggest you begin a personal exploration or study of NDE's, or near-death-experiences. There are several books available on the subject, as well as clinical case studies. ( i can suggest a couple to you, if you want) Go in to it as a skeptic, as I know you may be. But I guarentee you, you will not come out the other end of this personal quest as the same person you were when you went in. It will literally transform you, like way deep down inside....for the better. *can you feel those 8th & 9th house stelliums talking to you?* Sometimes I'm afraid to really express my true thoughts around here, because I'm afraid to be thought of as some kind of holy roller, and that's just not considered cool, but other times, I can't fight it. This is one of those times. *hmmm going to check current transits* PS: When I say "personal exploration" please don't think that I mean you should attempt it yourself, no no no ...that's not what I mean, by any stretch of the imagination.lol..hope you didn't think that. Just wanted to clarify. IP: Logged |
paras
Knowflake Posts: 1660
From: the Heart of It All
Registered: May 2004
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posted September 25, 2004 02:09 AM
Thank you all for your responses!!! Gia, I appreciate your faith in me. Lioneye, i will definitely look into NDE's more carefully when I find the time; I've read a little on them over the years, but never really made an in-depth exploration of the issue. And I'd just like to mention, that I found my faith again! It was right there, where it always had been... untouched... just seems I forgot for a little bit, because I let a bunch of irrational fears cloud my mind. I feel like such a fool! I BELIEVE!!!  But, hey, this might be a good topic on its own, nevermind my own little crisis of faith... so don't be afraid to keep posting, everyone! ------------------
And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs
your course.
--Kahlil Gibran IP: Logged |
pixelpixie
Knowflake Posts: 5301
From: Ontario Canada
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted September 25, 2004 02:26 AM
I Humbled you Juniperb???? That's funny, isn't that kinda' backwards?
Backwards or not, you totally made my week! Gosh, I love the influence of an Aquarian Moon. * also certain Aquarian influenced people.IP: Logged |
juniperb
Knowflake Posts: 6830
From: Blue Star Kachina
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted September 25, 2004 11:13 AM
Was is lurking "within" Paras ? Live in the "now" and you will have perfect access to your faith ------------------
If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. ~James Herriot IP: Logged |
Lindaland
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