BootsnAll Travel Community

When the folks at BootsNall offered me my own board to be "homeroom monitor" I wanted to create something special. So here it is...a forum for seekers who arn't afraid to ask the big questions.

Whether you are on the road, or searching from home, Spiritual Traveler is your home away from home, for those topics that don't seem to be discussed elsewhere.

It is dedicated to the age old premise...."Seek and ye shall find!"

So if you're a free spirit, and you sometimes feel like the "odd man out" don't sweat it! Most great discoveries come from adversity, and personal and spiritual growth is no exception.

It has been said..."A journey of a thousand miles, starts with one step." In this forum, the journey of a lifetime starts with a single question...."You propose it...and Spiritual Traveler will address it!"

Feel free to post anything that interests you relating to Seeking and Finding.

Remember...all feed back is considered arbitrary. You will probably get many different points of view, from all who choose to answer. It's up to you to decide what road or path to follow. You may find as I did, that as you sift through all that life has to offer, the truth somehow comes to the surface. It is yours for the asking...it is yours for the taking...all you need do is leave one thing behind: A question....What do you want from a forum like this?

[This message was edited by oldhippy on 03 March 2001 at 14:40.]

To all the folks who answered the poll on Personal and Spiritual growth...lets hear from you! There was a majority of replys from folks who mentioned an interest in such matters, but don't know of many who are interested in discussing it.

How about standing up and being counted! If you are of this peer group who is interested...let us know it! There once was a time when you got burned for your beliefs. No one is going to get burned here! Let all seekers of the truth bring your torches together, to form the communal fire.

Hello...I'm oldhippy, I'm a seeker from the edges of time. Pleased to meet you! Pull up a seat and enjoy the fire! What brings you here tonight?

Check this out..I added it to your profile..let me know if it's ok:

http://boards.bootsnall.com/eve/forums?q=Y&a=mprf&s=712096715&u=123090246

I've been pretty much asking questions all of my life. Dad use to tell me to get those silly ideas out of my head, etc.

I think that I actually got it from him, but he was so busy being responsible that he didn't allow himself to follow his beliefs or dreams. He was the one who inspired me to travel because he filled my head with wonderful images of far away places, I used to be able to see it all in my mind.

I guess there has aways been a side of me that asks the big questions, certainly the 70's was a big time, for that sort of thing, for me and onward. Never got into following a guru though, I like to keep an open mind and not shut myself off from other experiences. Used to have lots of the normal long discussions with friends about life and the universe. Did yoga, meditation, alternate lifestyle and environmental stuff. Sent kids to an alternative school, Steiner.

Got very involved in Rudolf Steiner's philosophies, I find his writing pretty amazing, but people do interpret writings how they want. The school became very cult like, and very incestuous. The whole atmosphere became very clostrophobic, with people hiding in their pubbles, protecting themselves from the outside world.

My three children went on to normal high schools, their teachers loved their ability to discuss topics openly and ask intelligent questions. When they were younger they used to ask me why I couldn't be normal like other mums in the street, now they're the same, and their friends think we're "cool". Our relationships are built on trust, openness and respect (+love), lots of long discussions whether it about life in general or their own lives/or mine. Have gone to work with 1 - 2 hours sleep if one of them has had a major problem in their life, they are very open about everything which keeps them from self destructing like a lot of young kids are doing today.

I don't think the kids are into looking at the universe, the cosmic picture, spirtuality, so much these days, religion is an atraction to a few but not many (in Oz anyway). My daughter has just started uni. this year and has taken comparative religion as a unit, has to do the Christian component at a Catholic Theological college as there were not enough student enrolled to get a lecturer to the uni. She's not complaining as she sees it as a good experience. Has a couple of young guys in her class training to be priests, she'll have lots of questions for them I'm sure.

I think the big quest for self gratification is the thing now (a generalisation), sorry, so it is refreshing when you do met someone who is looking more deeply at life, and is still asking questions.

I could rattle on, and this was so general, it's hard to discuss these things and keep it short.

p.s. I love reading Stephen Hawkings, he is amazing, love the way he has questioned the universal picture!

Cheers
Jenz

Well, being that I am a missionary...I feel pleased to have found a topic that I can relate to. However, It's not all that easy to come up with great theological, or philisophical conclusions. It's a huge issue and an even greater debate. The only thing I can do is share from my own personal experience. And that I will do with fervor. If you have a problem with the idea of God, then you might not want to read this any further. Because as a missionary, I wouldn't be...without Him.
I first looked at the idea of mission at the age of fourteen years. I had just moved into a new town, and was struggling to make friends, but in the Pentecostal church I attended I had a great youth pastor who was talking about the reality and need for true committment to God. He was looking for people who would follow the Lord wholeheartedly. At fourteen, I realized that there was only one way for me to go, and only one "person" I could follow that would not disappoint me in life...and that was Jesus. This formed my desire to go on missions, and to see the world.
I have never believed that I have all the answers to all the questions in life. I don't know why a perfect little child has to get hit by a car and suffer irreversable brain damage for the rest of their life, or why a mother of three has to get cancer and die. And why there are so many starving people in Ethiopia, or why there are hurricanes hitting Mozambique. What I do know, is that life is not easy, it is not simple, and it is full of pain. It is also full of imperfect, failing human beings, trying to make it on their own strength. No one on this earth is ever going to "make it" without some pain and suffering, and without failing another human being in their lifetime. So why do we put all our faith in erring, fallible humans? Doesn't make sense to me really. The truth of the matter is, we became fallible because we chose to love ourselves more than our Creator. We chose to believe we could be greater than the One who loved us enough to put us here to begin with.
Okay, I know I'm preaching, but this is all going somewhere. As a missionary, I have travelled to, hmmm, England, Scotland, Australia, Guyana, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, and I have seen much of the US and Canada. There is a commonality among all peoples and all of the human race that I have discovered, and that is what I mentioned above. We are all imperfect, and hurting human beings. We all inflict pain on each other, and we create much of the struggle we go through ourselves. Famine, and poverty could be erradicated if we were willing to share the wealth of this world and money was more equally applied to people across the board regardless of race, creed and religion. Much of the reckless behaviour seen these days is caused by either emotional hurt, addictions, or poverty or boredom, or a combination of these things. Cancer exists today because our bodies are omperfect vessels, and we are not yet able to keep from passing disease genetically, fromgeneration to generation. Natural disasters happen because the earth is as imperfect as the creation living on it...but it is ALL a result of human weakness, imperfection, and a direct result of the failings of our forefathers from generations past. For every action there is a reaction. For every wrong doing, there is a consequence, even if the consequence happens hundreds of years after the worng doing occurs.
In my travels, I have met many different sorts of people, but we are all spiritual beings, made in God's image. Therefore, as far as I am concerned, there is absolutely NO WAY to extract spirituality out of travel. If you travel just to party, and have a "good" time...it is still a spiritual journey...because eventually you will have to "arrive" somewhere, and make discoveries, and ponder "deep" thoughts. Eventually, you will have to ask the heavier questions in life...like, "why am I here?" and, "what is the purpose of my life as I know it here?" and, "when I die, is that really it for me?". Eventually, the questions will need to be asked. There are numerous answers spanning all religions, and even atheists have to draw some kind of conclusion for these questions. In my travels, the question of spirituality is a constant companion, both personally and also corporately among the people I meet. If I didn't have a relationship with my creator, and a love for Him, and a committment to following Him, then there would really be no point in travelling, because He is the One I travel for. That is the point of mission. I understand that others travel for other reasons, like, vacations, and just for fun, or business. Well, I travel to get to know the Lord better, and to see what He is doing in other cultures, and to find different ways of expressing Him to other people. It is a fun and incredible challenge. But I wouldn't change it for the world.

I know that its only because of the recent desire to extend my boundaries and reduce my fears that my desire to grow personally and spiritually that it has become a passion.

Patience has never been my best trait yet, this journey requires a ton of patience. For as I move about physically the inner side of me is also moving-questioning-and wondering. I'm not always sure what voice I'm following. I don't mean like "exorcist voices" but the voice of reason..decision making choices of whether to go right/wrong..left/right..stay/go

Having a family makes it especially difficult but I believe that's also part of the equation. So yes I seek to grow. I love learning.

Finding the right atmosphere is also a challenge. Not everyone who offers their hand has good intentions.

The journey must begin from inside. That is where my greatest struggles lay.

My life experiences have brought to light some very interesting questions. One of which is: Why is that when you reach the top the wind blows harder than before? Is it so that you can try your wings?
I am continuously amazed by the colors of the human experience. People are one of the most interesting. Examing the motivation behind the choices they make has always interested this inquiring mind. Customs, whats that all about, they have no reason, they just are. Ask someone sometime, why does your culture do that, the answer will most likely be, we have always done it that way. Oh you may hear a story or two surrounding the behavior, but generally it is that way because it has always been that way.

I just wanted to drop a line
Taking the long journey from your head to your heart is fantastic and I have to share one of my favorite qoutes
"Dance like no one is watching
Love like you'll never be hurt
Sing like no one is listening
Live like it is heaven on earth" William Purkey
Blessings to my fellow travelers
Peace be with you

When I travel I find my pack. I found them when I was backpacking in the '60's and I still find them in 2001. There they are on the Mekong in Northern Laos, at Inle Lake in Myanmar, in Tasheding in Sikkim and in Cuzco. Where they are not, is the city I live in in Canada. (There isn't even anyone here interested in my travels; I am never asked about them.)I don't think I'm a seeker anymore, although I've stayed in my share of Ashrams and Monasteries, and I'm not a voyeur, although I appreciate the people, their lifestyle, the food and I try to learn the language. The places I go are home to me, more home to me than my home, if that makes sense. I feel whole there, although it is not a matter of escape. I see my world and myself more clearly than I ever do at home. I like myself more; I feel vibrantly alive - almost in the present moment. Spiritual travelling, like following the paths of truth, takes you to strange exotic cultures that do not seem strange when you get there - they resonate and you realize the journey has been more inward than outward.

Heres my story in short...
About a year ago my (ex) wife filed for a divorce and took a boyfriend. They had obviously been seeing eachother for awhile. Since then my life has been in a complete tailspin. I get to see our 3 year old son about once a week, but I never thought I would be taking care of him on my own. My job is dissintegrating under me (tech) and I've decided it's time to go.
I've been actively interested (is that an oxymoron?) in Eastern thought for some time and have alternately called myself Hindu/Buddhist. I, quite frankly, don't know what I am anymore. All I know is that something is missing. Something needs to be found.
So, a couple of days ago I booked a flight to India. It's time to go. My ex will scream and protest, but as Joseph Campbell says 'You must follow your bliss and don't let anything stop you!'. I'm aware I run the risk of being labeled as "some goofball looking to find himself in India", but I don't care. It's my life and I'll do what I want thank-you-very-much!
The story of Jonah resonates for me now. He, like myself, was afraid to face reality. Afraid to do what he was called upon to do. His whale, as mine, was fear. He was afraid of The Lord. These days I'm afraid of just about everything. That's why I must spend some time in the belly of the whale. God willing I will come out the other end with a greater understanding of this existence and a faith - in God and in myself - that I've never had before.
Inshallah!
OM Peace, Peace, Peace

bodhi365,

Would you be interested in doing a travelogue on your trip to India? The way you lead up to it sounds interesting and I know I would like to follow what happens to you...

Either way, have a great time,
Sean

Sean,
I'm already signed up and ready to write!
I do have some logistical questions though, such as the best way to carry a laptop (if that's even advisable) and, if a laptop is not used, how to transfer digital photos to Internet Cafe machines w/out having to load the drivers. The digital photography thing is important to me as I want to send pictures home for my son.
OM Peace, Peace, Peace

I just got on the bus and finally started to read a book that three people over the last five years have said that 'i should read it' and 'it is a must read' Once i started i fully understood why. Oldhippy, you read The Celestine Prophecy?
Bodhi, I too have a digital camera but after waiting for someone to forward them to mine at home, i posted back the software. Many hostels do not have the facility. So I am now just keeping them with me and look forward to opening them all up on my return and sharing all the adventures again with my son. (he is with me)
would like to keep in contact with you.

So on the spiritual side this Celstine Prophecy is a story... but a lovely powerfull story that has helped me get back in touch with myself again, after being a little lost.
NOw I also feel that although I started this journey 'looking' for somehting this is not necessary.... as anything we have or need is already within us. It is a matter of unlocking.
After going to the Burningman I was open to many new things and it was and to an extent still is a bit of a comedown from meeting all those beautiful happy people. They boys at the house helped enormously with their kindness and generosity. So my journey continues in a very positive light.
Positive vibes, love and healing. Lisa x

Where are you in your spiritual quest these days?

Why not share a part of your spiritual awareness with others?

Use these pages like a personal journal.

I remember someone once picked up my first jounal called "Revelations" [as the truth was revealed to me...I would record it in "Revelations"], to read it, and we had tons to talk about there after.

What ever you hold dear and very personal, may just be the "silver thread" that links all of us together!

Share part of your self with folks who care!

For inspirational strength and an amazing story that will never leave your mind check out "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer. This book truly made me think and question everything. Some people are just born with the desire and opportunities to find themselves and this man, Christopher McCandless, was one of a kind. How many 21 year olds can you find who give away their $25,000 trust fund to charity, on breaks from college ride around he country in their car all alone, give away or dump most of their belongings and leave behind family and friends to find themselves and be one with nature ? How does such a person come to be ? Persistance is obviously a major factor but there must be more. Right ?

Quick question : If someone is truly looking for their true self and attempting to let go of power, money, lust etc, what does it say about a G-d if that person suffers from depression and Social Anxiety ? Why hinder someone so much that they feel they are being smothered by life rather than embraced ?

Depression and Social Anxiety, two of my closest friends. Heavy duty stuff came in but I invited it ya know. I learn the most about myself when Im low. Down there on the bottom scraping and pasting.
Buddha said life is suffering, true that.
And love that!
Dim candle in the dark booms out to a beautiful blazing fire and I see my creative hands again and also their shadows, how they feel, how they move. Knowledge for the body-mind pocket, a map for later use, tools for the journey forward. I except it and love it, but man is it a trip, the most intense trip, the fullest trip, so full it eventually bursts into scorching, purifying tears followed by humble laughter.

Drugs opened me up, and showered me with gifts. It used to be a social thing, get high and hang out. Then it got dark, it wasn't the same, I was already cracked open and there was no turning back. It took awhile to realize drugs provided the keys but not the path. A Buddhist friend put it in perspective with this, "Once you get the answer, hang up the phone!"
-right on!
I some times miss those days with "e" and things, but it doesn't come anywhere near the experience when your clear.

"Mom I don't want to go to school!!! What if nobody likes me, what if they make fun of me?"
"Don't be afraid pumpkin everything will be fine all you half to do is introduce yourself and surly you'll make a friend. If you don't try then you'll never know. And just remember they're going to school for the first time too."

God is all loving, and its perfectly perfect to question it before the teaching is done.

smiles
-=)>ken<(=-

p.s. I'm a pre-traveler and found this site in my search for backpacker knowledge. I dabbled with freight hopping in Kentucky on my 21st summer but stuck mostly with Greyhound (too green and not enough ball). But now two years later I'm finishing the college decision and preparing for the big journey. Thank you all for this site, I enjoy reading everything you have to say and find it very motivating. I consider you my elders, teachers, and guides and give you the utmost respect. ThankYou ThankYou ThankYou.

Ahhhh...the question of drugs. I have heard many times that E has helped many people who suffer from depression and anxiety because it lets you truly look within yourself and see the real you, the one often guarded against and kept in chains for fear of the unknown. Have never done E, 1) because it would interact with other medications and 2) depletes seretonin which can lead to Suicide Tuesday. While I am obviously curious, especially since it was used many decades ago by psychiatrists, about it but am also worried what I may find and how my body would react to it. There is a great book by Andrew Solomon, for anyone who suffers from depression and/or anxiety which is called "The Noonday Demon : An Atlas of Depression". It is for the everday reader and though long can offer many insights into the disease by someone who has gone and is going through it. Back to the main point though, with anxiety pushing me into heavy sweats, cold palms, nervous ticks and a complete inability to escape until I am alone - which leads to the depression - I have tried to not let these things interfere in my life and have done my best to travel to new places, experience new things and hope I find some like minded individuals along the way who aren't about the material things in this world but are really concerned about the suffering of others and what can be done to help them. Our egos drive many of us and learning to escape is no easy task but perhaps, a neccesary one. Going on a trip to India to help out and hope for the best. Hopefully i will find like minded people who really want to make a difference and are not worried about what kind of car you drive or if you wear Prada clothing. That is the world I come from and the one I need to break free of. This trip could be a defining moment in my life or just another experience but I am hoping for the former. I cannot take all the ignorance, evil and jealousy that pervades people here. I hope the best is yet to come and that one day i can say "I have made a difference to someone somewhere in the world".

Creating positive change in one's self and others, is what this forum is all about.

May you find all you seek...and discover all you need to know.

If there is ever anything specific you'd like to discuss, please feel free to post any query of interest to you!

Thank you to all who care to share!

This is a rather peculiar question. Why do people come to India for a spiritual quest? True, religion is a part and parcel fo life in India, it is everywhere, but to me India is as materialistic a country or Mumbai is as materialistic a city as say New York or Chigaco. Please dont take this to be a rude question, I really need to understand this issue. Maybe being in India, i am missing out on something, which an outsider is able to relate to.

Re: dustyshoes 2002 query above:

Have you have heard the expression: "The grass is always greener in the other felllows yard?"

What this means if someone in not satisfied in their own life, where they are at, they may feel the answer is not to be found there at all, or is better achieved elsewhere.

So, they seek the answer in other places.

As India does have a reputation for being a more spiritual destination, folks from the west, seek out what they just can't seem to find at home.

If you live in India, and find that it does not seem to be there for you...welcome to the club, of International seekers!

In truth...I also traveled around the world, only to fully realize the answer... once I got back home.

It always was within.

The travel just made the search that more interesting.

So...Seek and ye shall find!

But the answer can be found seeking inside, as well as out!

If you are a seeker and would like a free personal/spiritual workbook assignment page, [By asking the right questions you might be able to accelerate the search], share your interest and I'll post a tip sheet for you!

FYI This will only help you formulate the questions that will need to be answred...you are still 100% responsible for defining the answers to it...as no one can do it for you, but you!