frustrated with society

hopeless · 08-10-2004, 04:11 AM

I feel spiritually lost, yet at the same time, more aware of my spirituality.

I'm frustrated with living in the city. I feel stuck, and as though I can't continue to grow spiritually while here.

I want a society/community where the focus is on health and happiness. I'm tired of this world where we go to work (which most of us hate), so we can buy more stuff (which ends up in landfills anyways), only to discover that we're still not happy, even though we have lots of material possessions. I've started to break out of that cycle, but being surrounded by it is still restrictive.

I want to be free of the burdens associated with society so that I can focus on myself - my happiness, wellness and health.

Anyone else feel like this?

amshum · 08-11-2004, 02:04 AM

I think, and this is of course just my opinion, that society pushes spirituality and personal beliefs of religion into the background. I think sometimes that society as a whole wants me to feel like a freak because I believe in God because being a Christian or a person who is a believer in any religion is an outcast, or should be because of political correctness.

I think what has helped me lately is proudly claiming my believes for my own. I'm not ashamed to believe in God and being a Christian. I'm not out preaching or pushing my believes off on people, but if they ask me what I believe, I don't hide it like I once did.

I don't know if you believe in God or any deity, and I think that your beliefs are your own and are very personal, but perhaps claiming them again (if any), pushing aside the material possessions, and delving your heart back into your beliefs may help you with your frustration.

Hope I didn't offend. Just offering a suggestion.

hopeless · 08-11-2004, 04:01 AM

Don't worry, you didn't offend.

I'm not religious, but I'm not opposed to it either. I haven't been exposed to enough to really make a decision either way. So, it's not so much about that.

My beliefs are more based in nature, and the Earth. I get peace from viewing myself as just a being within this world, same as you might view any other wildlife. I see our society as a game. Something I have to play in order to get by.

So, when I focus on my beliefs, I get quite frustrated by the general populations lack of respect for the Earth and nature. Everything is so one-use oriented. Think about all the stuff we throw away: disposible diapers, flush-able toilet scrubbers, out-of-fashion clothes, cat litter, etc. Our convenience is more important than our world. I just don't understand that attitude and it frustrates me.

I guess what my mistake is, is wishing that others would also follow my beliefs. (I don't push my beliefs on anyone though) I really ought to be focussing on myself, and maintaining my beliefs even though I'm surrounded by opposite attitudes.

goldNhunnE · 08-12-2004, 07:42 PM

I know just how you feel. I too would like to stop living a materialistic life and concentrate more on important things in life, like God, taking care of the earth, and helping other humans live a better life. I am trying not to be materialistic anymore. Up until very recently, I felt like my whole day would be shot if I didn't get to buy something at the store. My room was so cluttered I couldn't hardly breathe! So I have been getting rid of things that I don't need or use, and taking them to giveaway places.
My parents are still packrats and very wasteful, so everywhere in the house except my room is a cluttered mess. The past couple of weeks I have been watching Feed the Children, and I felt bad and ashamed of myself because I was always so greedy and wanting junkfood and things when there are innocent children in the world starving to death. One night the show was in Haiti. I think they said they needed six billion dollars to feed everyone and give them medical care. And there was a statistic that said the United States spend more than that eah year on PERFUME!!
That is sad. So, now I am sponsoring a child. Now if I do spend money on something that is not a necessity, I make sure it is something I will like and use for a long time, and will not throw in the trash. Like yarn for crocheting. Usually, instead of buying movies, CD's, and books, I check them out from the library. And I only buy CD's if they cannot be checked out from libraries and if I know for certain I will still like those songs twenty years from now. I'm glad there are other people out there besides me who care about things that matter.

hopeless · 08-13-2004, 12:01 AM

goldNhunnE - We definetly feel the same way. My family are also packrats, meanwhile I've been giving away tons of stuff. I feel like so many possessions is just a burden. I feel much better being free of it.

I definetly think more about things before I buy them. I also started making monthly donations to Greenpeace.

I'm going to start volunteering at our university's organic farm. It seems like it would be a lot of fun, and definetly a learning experience. I went to an orientation today, and during the tour Iwas surprise how many veggies I couldn't recognize! I had no idea what broccoli looked like as a plant. Same with cantalope, and artichokes. So, I'm really glad to be able to get into the dirt and become more aware of sustainablity and organic farming.

Deni · 08-13-2004, 11:42 PM

I feel completely the same way. I just look at that comercial for the disposable toilet brush, and the disposable dishwashing cloths and I think.. You know I got a toilet brush and a cloth for washing dishes that are both just fine... why do I need something that is expensive... that I only use once... and then toss away?

And I live in a small town that does not even recycle. I am forced to throw things away everyday that could be recycled, plastic bottles, newpapers, glass jars. It makes me so sad.

My dream is to live in the country where I can have a couple of acres of land and a little house by a creek and a bunch of trees around. I love trees.

The Earth is very important in my religious beliefs. I strongly feel the urge to protect Her and all the creatures that live on Her. So it pains me everyday that we humans are acting like a parasite... just eating away... distroying... like we have an infinite supply of the gifts that She gives us. It makes me sick sometimes.

I hope that you find a way to express your spiritual needs. We all need an outlet

Peace and Love,
Deni

hopeless · 08-14-2004, 05:39 AM

No recycling at all? I was upset because we can't recycle all type of plastics. We also can't recycle tetra paks.....but none at all? Ack! I've been an avid recycler since I first learned about it in grade 6. I made my family start doing it too. Now it's just natural to sort everything.

I would love to live on a plot of land were I could have my own little vegetable/fruit garden. Basically, be more independent from the commercial world. Plus, digging around in the dirt is fun!

Thanks for replying.... it's even just reassuring to hear that I'm not the only one that thinks this way.

Deni · 08-15-2004, 12:47 AM

Nope,

No recyling at all.

I have contacted my city government about it.. I got a form letter thanking me for my concern, but no real mention that they would even think about it. It makes me sad.

I do try not to throw things away. I dont use products that are a one use type things. I save everything that I can use again... plastic grocery store bags, bottles, that sort of thing, but still I am forced to throw things away that I know could be recycled because there is no program here.

Walmart does have a ben you can put the plastic store bags in. I take those up there if I collect too many of them.

My school recycles paper, and I always recycle my school notes and all the papers I get at school. I take bags of it up to the school at the end of every semester. lol

I do what I can, but I wish I could do more.

And yes.. I would love to have a garden. I would love to grow my own vegitables and flowers. I would love to have a big tree and a circle with stones... walk barefoot in my own yard. That would be so lovely. Its just a dream of mine for now, but one day I will have it.

Peace and Love,
Deni

hopeless · 08-20-2004, 05:55 AM

It's nice to see that you do all you can, even though you don't have a recycling program.

I'm sorry it's taken so long to reply. I read the message but didn't reply immediately....and then forgot the next time I was online!

Sometimes I don't know what to do with my life. I want to be somewhere beautiful. I want to enjoy the landscape, but school keeps me in the city. Sometimes I want to quit school and just go live by the ocean for a while....

ERICKA77 · 08-25-2004, 12:15 PM

Quite, go live by the ocean girl...
Just playing, don't quite school. But I totally agree with everything you girls are saying. If only I could have lived in the medieval or Egyptian days, or instead of being born in the 70's, I wish I could have lived the 70's.
There is so much unappreciation for the Earth these days. I was driving the other day, and my 9 year niece just threw her Mcdonald's cup out the window. I stopped my Jeep so fast and made her get out and go get it.
I told her "The World Is Not Your Trashcan!".....She shrugged her shoulders and said "One cup won't hurt."
I was called a TreeHugger by a co-worker the other day, because I recycle. Okkaayy, she acted like only a certain breed of people recycle. If only she would realize every little step we take, helps the Earth, and our surroundings just a little bit more. She needs to be against herself for bragging she paid $350 for a pair of shoes she wore to work, than for me recycling.
That is one thing that urks me, people blowing money on nonsense they don't need. When there are so many people out there who don't have a cent to thier name. Society is so screwed up these days. Just think what it would be like in 20 years. Yikes.
I would move on a deserted island with my hubby in a heartbeat. And not care a single bit about no t.v. or anything. Just give me my writing tablet and utensils, drawing pad and utensils, and my painting utensils and I would be alright.
Oh and I wouldn't shed a tear I wasn't working while living on the Island. I would be happy and stress-free.

hopeless · 08-25-2004, 11:47 PM

"That is one thing that urks me, people blowing money on nonsense they don't need. When there are so many people out there who don't have a cent to thier name. "

Not to mention the fact that when they're done with nonsense items, they just end up in a landfill! ARGH! This is also one of the reasons that I am now a reformed pack-rat.

I feel like all those physical things are a burden. I just want to clear all that clutter from my life

ERICKA77 · 08-26-2004, 11:05 AM

Yea, they end up in a landfill, and it is sad. I keep our local Goodwill and Salvation Army stores in business. Anything I need to get rid of, clothes, house stuff, furniture, ect. I take it to them. Plus, I've found some really awesome and unique stuff at Goodwill.
Clearing clutter defiantly helps with not only space but stress as well. That is one of the main things with Feng Shui is eliminating the un-nessecaties(spelling).

hopeless · 08-26-2004, 03:59 PM

I've never really looked into Feng Shui before. Of course, that's hard when you live with 3 other people. I really need to move out!!

I've also found some great deals at the Salvation Army. I feel so great when I find a good bargain!

Deni · 08-30-2004, 01:59 PM

I am also a big believer in Goodwill. I personally dont use Salvation Army because I disagree with some of their policies. But I never throw away clothing (I mean I will if it is holey or just completely torn up-but I try not to.) I always take that stuff to Goodwill.

And the whole buying frivolous crap. I heard about a movie director that bought a $20,000 surf board. I was like DUDE! You could build a habitat house for that and shelter a whole family. You could feed a family of 5 for a couple of years on that. You dont need a $20,000 surf board.

Some times I dream about being rich, but even if I was I wouldnt buy stupid crap that cost tons of money like that. I would rather give that money way to somebody who needs it than buy a pair of $300 shoes or a $20,000 surf board. *sighs* Some people.

Peace and Love,
Deni

ERICKA77 · 08-30-2004, 02:44 PM

Or....I watched on the news it said Marc Anthony or whatever his name is bought Jennifer Lopez a pair of $24,000 sandals. That had real 24k gold leaves on the top....He said, "I gotta make sure my baby has bling-bling".....First of all I can't stand the phrase bling-bling...Second of all that kind of spending is ridiculous(sp).....
That's why I admire Angelina Jolie, she donates half her $$$ to charity.
Or what about Bill Gates that has a close to a billion dollar (actually several, several, several million dollar, but that is what the magazine said about close to a billion)home....Now that is someone who can spare some money for charity...I saw his home in a Unique Homes magazine. Talk about huuuugggeee...It spreads for miles it looks like..lol...

Oh well, no use in griping about it, they are at a level I will never be. But they still should donate, help the middle class, to poor people out....