So, I made a post talking about how I’m questioning what I believe in after being a militant atheist for many years, and for any Gays who are in the same or a similar boat, who did become spiritual or even religious I’d implore you to share your stories with me, or direct me to other communities if you’d like!
(Disclaimer: if you’re a self hating Gay that wants to “save” me from my “sinful ways” or whatever don’t fucking bother, I’m only looking for groups that’d accept me for who I am. Period.)
I was raised deep in Mormon country, became aware of my man-loving tendencies and how much that was hated there. So I fought my way out at great personal cost.
I now have great, but usually reserved, disdain for simple-minded god-botherers of every flavor. Devoted but unexamined beliefs are mentally and emotionally crippling to the believer, it matters not the potential depth and value of the belief system itself. If the believer is shallow, the belief is shallow.
Here’s my take on ‘spirituality’. If you haven’t considered seriously (and felt it, balls to bone) what it would mean if your treasured beliefs were mere fictional creations, then you have no spirituality at all.
In my 50’s, I have finally built some strong sustaining beliefs, a community and practices around my lifelong interest in yoga. Yoga isn’t exactly a religion, it is deeply intertwined with several religions yet has maintained a distinct identity.
Many don’t know much about yoga beyond the physical exercise aspects of it, but if you like philosophy, anthropology and history, the rabbit hole is bottomless.
Couple that with the well proven physical and neurological benefits of a sustained practice, which I have been enjoying greatly in recent years, and I have finally found a ‘spirituality’ that satisfies my scientific mind and my need for community, connection and shared meaning.
Hope that helps.