Fellow atheists! Do you find similarities with me on this?

[Juxtapose]

I see something in religion or spirituality in general that some spiritual people tap into and I think it is a very real thing. You can tap into it when you meditate as well. It is a state of patience, acceptance, compassion and grace. For simplicity's sake I will call it a state of grace.

You can enter this state of grace by studying meditation and consciously modifying your inner mental landscape over time to resemble a celestial plane of goodness. You can make yourself much more like an angel by embracing the gentle compassion animals have when you gently touch them and they truly love you. You can embody that purity as much as you can and have far less frequency of dark thoughts compared to other people.

As an atheist I don't worship any creature, imaginary or otherwise. In a sense I worship virtue and goodness. I see pockets of purity and good, and I strive to emulate that and ward off evil. I imagine a bright inner light within me that stubbornly grows all the brighter the darker it gets around me. That way I can face any monstrosity or horror, knowing I walk with light and do not fear the shadows of the valley of death.

Am I alone on this?

[BetaBucks]

I struggle a ton with meditation and getting that sense of peace that theists get. I'm too high strung. But I sincerely appreciate religious people and their much higher likelihood to promote peace and good behavior. I just don't find it necessary to filter my behavior through any religious lense. I'm very compassionate towards animals and towards good/weak humans. I lose all compassion towards aggressive animals and sadistic humans though. I prefer to match their energy.

What are your tips for atheists (I'm really an agnostic-athiest because I can't disprove any religion's lore) to find that same peace?

Also, I'm curious what your views are towards people who effectively worship humans? Like those that believe anything they hear about science, history and politics as long as it comes from someone they place their faith into? Do you believe that this is their form of religion in the sense that they believe others' words, based almost solely on faith?

[Juxtapose]

Have you tried breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth slowly and deeply? With each breath you empty your mind like you empty a cup filled with water? You do that 10 times and then repeat as necessary while being in a calm, peaceful place until you can handle shutting out outside stimulation.

Well to a certain extent we have to trust what we are told on certain things. If you never see a zebra but people show you pictures of zebra and claim they are real and they are credible to you? You are likely going to believe in zebras even though you have never seen them.

I think it's most healthy to acknowledge that while science is awesome, we are just scratching the beginnings of intelligence as a species and we should be humble.

[Juxtapose]

I would also describe myself as an agnostic atheist.

[BetaBucks]

That's a great point about remaining humble. Human's have been wrong more than we have been right, so healthy skepticism is necessary in my opinion. As far as trusting in a picture, without ever having personally seen something, it's just a matter of nuance. If someone shows me a picture of a celebrity doing something bad, I'll remember all the fake pictures that have been made since as far as I can remember and I'll always reserve my emotional commitment to their validity. As far as the existence of something common, like an animal, I'll place more faith in it because I can't imagine a reason to lie. But I've also been tricked by fake animal pictures and videos before. Lesson learned.

With the breathing thing, I've tried a box breathing method and sometimes it gives me anxiety and makes my heart pound. Sometimes it works though. I'll try your method next. I've found that exercise is better for slowing me down. Sometimes I exercise twice a day, just to keep myself calm and focused. That's one of the reasons I promote exercise as much as I do.

[Juxtapose]

Exercise can keep your energy lower but that anxiety is coming from somewhere deep inside of you and eventually I think you should address it. You know yourself better than I do but that's just my thoughts.

[BetaBucks]

Yeah bro, I know you're right. My wife grilled me on the same subject before. She doesn't like my solution being excessive exercise. Time for some introspection, I suppose.

[Juxtapose]

Hey man exercises pretty good as long as you don't fuck your body up. I am glad your wife can see that in you and is trying to help you in her own way.

Introspection can take time and it's harder to do it when you are stressed out but I think you seem insightful and are well on your way towards figuring things out.

[Juxtapose]

*exercise is pretty good

[BetaBucks]

Thanks bro. And thanks for the good chat 🍻

[meepmeeperton]

I believe there is some kind of spiritual thing anyone can tap into if they are willing. Religion understands the human connection to spirituality and uses different symbolism and stories to describe it.

You may personally not believe in “God” as a big man in the sky, but you feel God, the universe, spirituality, the ether, whatever you want to call it when you meditate or are in a certain mindset. Prayer also functions similarly to meditation.

[Juxtapose]

I can't entirely dismiss the possibility because you can't disprove the supernatural after all right? If I am tapping into something that brings me comfort, because I don't have to follow a ridiculous book written by desert tribals that say things like you will burn for eternity if you mix fabrics.

[Juxtapose]

Rather than the universe being empty, some sort of force of good would be quite comforting to have.

[DrPepper12]

My guiding lights are Stoicism and Buddhism so i can relate. Also ethical humanism and im a pastafarian because well its satire of a concept that should ne mercilessly mocked into oblivion.

[Juxtapose]

Stoicism and Buddhism do have some pretty good ideas! And that chart really concisely explains how I feel about the logic of an all-powerful God existing as the Christians describe.

[Juxtapose]

It's cool to see that you relate and don't sink into pessimistic nihilism.

[Billlewis]

My perspective on this isn't nearly as advanced as yours, but I'm definitely a staunch, lifelong, dyed-in-the-wool non believer in any deity whatsoever -- other than the superior female.

[Juxtapose]

@Apple1996 can you call him a good boy? I think he needs it.

I used to be a believer when I was a kid but I changed my mind after I discovered Santa Claus wasn't real and I started looking to things on my own.

[Billlewis]

Thank you very much, Sir.

[Apple1996]

@Billlewis you are a good boy lol 😆

[Juxtapose]

@Apple1996 thank you! I thought you would come through.

[Billlewis]

@Apple1996. Thank you very much, ma'am.

[RavVid]

Yes I can go with that.

[sage2021]

What a bunch of hog wash!
Brother!

[Juxtapose]

How very open-minded of you 😂

[sage2021]

@Juxtapose
I just told you a few minutes ago that I love God and He loves me and that I am a Christian woman.
Unbelievers of God call Christians "But Jobs". Are they open minded about God and the Lord Jesus Christ when they call us nut jobs?

[Juxtapose]

Well nowhere in this post am I calling Christians nut jobs. You are misplacing your anger or annoyance towards me when I was not being disrespectful.

Although for full disclosure I do view faith as being insane but I don't say it to your face normally because it is disrespectful. My post has been respectful.

[sage2021]

@Juxtapose
Will you calm down man?
Don't take what I said personally.
In other posts on this website people were calling Christians Nut Jobs.
Has nothing to do with you so simmer down.
I am so done here ok? Leave me alone!

[Juxtapose]

Sure I'll leave you alone but I don't know where you're getting that impression of me being not calm from. I thought I was speaking respectfully? Text is a horrible communicator of tone. Should I use emojis to signify positivity? 🍻

Oh well, you have a good night.

[pethouse]

I’m
Not atheist