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Recent trip to India kind of opened up the pent-up Catholic in me. Grew up going to a Born-again school so it was always a conversation about Catholicism vs. Evangelical Christianity. We were only three in my class that were Catholic so there were some subtle bullying happening when everyone else decided to be righteous and agreed that we needed to be saved.
Realized religion is more than that conversation and enjoyed learning about Hinduism. Passed by Akshardham (glorious!!) and bought a few books about it. Went to a transcendental meditation class when I went back to the Philippines and glad I got to attend one. As one would a tourist, I also got trapped into buying a Singing Bowl from the airport.
Went on a book run about Hinduism which my bookstores didn’t have stock on any but found a Cathecism book and a Buddhism book that should be enough to satiate my hunger. I have absolutely no idea where this will take me but I am absolutely enjoying this new sense of purpose.
Aug 25, 2024
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I love your story! Volunteering is such a beautiful & meaningful experience, I think more people should embrace it.
My experience was a trip I took to Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. I was 16 at the time questioning my religion (I grew up Catholic & went to a private Catholic school that went to church every Friday). Our tour guide took us to a museum where there was a picture of Buddha & an unknown man who they believe was Jesus. It was at that moment & during the entire trip that I started to realize that I can practice my religion any way I want because at the end of the day, fundamentally, religion is about being a good person. I no longer go to church and use meditation as a form of prayer :)
Jan 4, 2025
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After a life as a textbook liberal atheist, I've only recently begun opening up to a spiritual reality, so my insights are nascent and thus rudimentary. However, it seems to me that the physical realm has an inherent value when manifesting spirit, so the first step is alignment of the body, the spirit's true temple. Yoga or a more individualized, meditatively concocted practice (mine is spiral yoga) deafens animal instinct and creates space for a body alignment to begin the alignment of body and mind. Once the mind is freed and starts connecting to the metaphysical, you enter a new paradigm of reality that can be as enlightening or blinding as the strength of your self-awareness will allow. Bro be high as a mf.
Mar 8, 2025
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I’ve been doing a lot of research and it seems like every major religion practiced meditation at some point; many have since pushed it aside as non-essential, but history says at some point it was integral to all faiths.
Having grown up in a very fundamental Christian home, the M word was a bad word. We didn’t mediate! We thought it was secular & evil! Both myself and my family have since come to the realization that even the extreme fundamentalist Christian worldview has historically acknowledged the need to meditate at some point. It’s been freeing to dig back into the biblical texts and go “Ahhhhh okay, so everyone agrees we should meditate, cool.”
I believe it says a lot that all faiths consider this practice to be important. The journey for me has shifted the question from “Should I meditate?” to “What should I meditate on?” — Being intentional about the what has helped me on this journey. On good days, meditation brings me clarity on major life decisions. On most days, it (at minimum) brings me a sense of peace.
Unsure if you’d consider that to fit under woo woo shit, but I think it’s worth looking into for every person regardless of what they believe / don’t believe.
Apr 10, 2024
Top Recs from @jvlohenares
Recently thrifted one and realized there‘s a dozen of them online (Mandarin-collared wool shirts) that were made in Japan. Came along with a Woolmark tag in Japanese too. Folding creases went away after wearing it out for a while too. Only downside is that it’s dry-clean only but at the thrift store price point, I’m more than happy to extend the life of this beauty.
Aug 22, 2024
One of the benefits of living in the Philippines is our access to thrift-shop Gaultier. Absolutely feels like wearing art. Gutted that the tropical climate wont let you wear them out in broad daylight. Indoor occasions only!
Apr 6, 2025
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Finished a few books recently and felt the need to post about it right after. Felt that I was doing a disservice of not giving more thought and really sitting with the feelings they brought out. Will most likely engage with the content I take in this way moving forward.
Apr 8, 2025