Spiritual Groups
Jul. 7th, 2007 06:40 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kokopelleI feel truly sad when I observe the behavior of those who act for groups. The irony is that the individuals are doing nothing wrong themselves. Their intentions are pure (enough). Somehow the good intentions are subverted and end up harming others as little evils are perpetrated by a larger group dynamic. I can expect this from groups as a whole. My heart is pained when I see people in spiritual groups acting the same way.
It seems that spiritual groups differ little from other groups. Perhaps this is normal. Idealistic me would have hoped that there was some point to being spiritual, and that lessons could be learned towards less screwed living. This is the ideal. Then there is the human factor. We are all progressing at our own speeds. We are in our own places, doing the best or worst that we are capable of. Membership in a spiritual group does not put a halo over a person's head. It instead offers them opportunities for exploration and growth. Not everyone takes advantage of these, or perhaps they do in they're own way. The reasons for joining a spiritual group point to why they are cut from similar clothe of other groups.
Why join a spiritual group? Why be a member or leader? I came up with the following list:
1) To belong to something larger than the individual
2) To heal
3) To learn
4) To be empowered
5) To have power
6) To be special/different
7) To make a difference
8) To connect with or find deity
Items 1 through 7 can be shared with all groups. Only item 8 is particular to spiritual groups. Though, one could argue that non-spiritual groups have a secular version of this item.
These items are all noble and good. Each of these also has a shadow. Maybe I'll write about those another time. The point is that each noble aspiration can turn on itself, creating dissension and pain for those inside and outside the group.
Once upon a time I hoped that spiritual groups could do something to keep the shadows at bay. Maybe some quality of personal or group character could be attained that other groups don't have. Sadly, I see spiritual groups as much at risk for succumbing to the shadows of the group dynamic.
I ask my LJ friends these questions... do the spiritual groups have any moral/character advantage over other groups, or are they merely an imperfect but serviceable vehicle for discovering the divine? If you are or were a member of a spiritual group, what drew you to membership? How did the spiritual group improve your life?
It seems that spiritual groups differ little from other groups. Perhaps this is normal. Idealistic me would have hoped that there was some point to being spiritual, and that lessons could be learned towards less screwed living. This is the ideal. Then there is the human factor. We are all progressing at our own speeds. We are in our own places, doing the best or worst that we are capable of. Membership in a spiritual group does not put a halo over a person's head. It instead offers them opportunities for exploration and growth. Not everyone takes advantage of these, or perhaps they do in they're own way. The reasons for joining a spiritual group point to why they are cut from similar clothe of other groups.
Why join a spiritual group? Why be a member or leader? I came up with the following list:
1) To belong to something larger than the individual
2) To heal
3) To learn
4) To be empowered
5) To have power
6) To be special/different
7) To make a difference
8) To connect with or find deity
Items 1 through 7 can be shared with all groups. Only item 8 is particular to spiritual groups. Though, one could argue that non-spiritual groups have a secular version of this item.
These items are all noble and good. Each of these also has a shadow. Maybe I'll write about those another time. The point is that each noble aspiration can turn on itself, creating dissension and pain for those inside and outside the group.
Once upon a time I hoped that spiritual groups could do something to keep the shadows at bay. Maybe some quality of personal or group character could be attained that other groups don't have. Sadly, I see spiritual groups as much at risk for succumbing to the shadows of the group dynamic.
I ask my LJ friends these questions... do the spiritual groups have any moral/character advantage over other groups, or are they merely an imperfect but serviceable vehicle for discovering the divine? If you are or were a member of a spiritual group, what drew you to membership? How did the spiritual group improve your life?
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no subject
Date: 2007-07-07 11:41 am (UTC)Does this account for all spiritual group foibles? No, but it does remove from them some measure of blame
no subject
Date: 2007-07-07 02:15 pm (UTC)No vehicle is 'perfect,' because perfect is such an abstract term. We are all human beings, and those of us who are spiritual strive for a connection to our individual ideas of the divine. Because our individual ideas can sometimes greatly contrast, it brings in misunderstanding and even insecurity for those who aren't firm in themselves (which is many people) and that in turn attracts what you call 'shadow.'
Without shadow, no one can recognise the light which provides growth. Without light, no one would recognise the shadow.
That said, it also depends on the group. I ran my own forum for 2 years, it had 200 members and we never had the tiniest amount of drama. It was an extremely supportive atmosphere. But that was problematic too, it also meant that the forum was rarely a site of heated debate, and people never challenged each other's beliefs and ideas. The site was a haven, but not necessarily a place of *growth*.
Likewise, the sites that seem to prompt a great deal of growth, are those that do have drama, problem and conflict. But the people who do grow, grow out of those sites quickly and move on; often harbouring some kind of resentment towards such sites that prompted their 'moving on' and 'growing forward' in the first place; maybe because they wanted more of a haven, they wanted to not be challenged by the true qualities of human nature - some nice, some not so nice.
If you are or were a member of a spiritual group, what drew you to membership? How did the spiritual group improve your life?
I've been a member of spiritual online groups for 10 years or so. Despite the resentment that many on my Flist display towards these groups I stay. Why? Because I have something to give, because I serve, because my spirit helpers compel me to reach out in these small ways, and because it constantly teaches me how to remain humble and yet strong. I am constantly challenged at these sites, the pettiness of others encourages me to pettiness, which in turn encourages me to look at why this has happened, and through this reflection there is growth - which is what I seek. And while this gift is being given to me, I am able to gift others with my experiences, my knowledges, and my own need to improve and become a better person.
no subject
Date: 2007-07-07 02:35 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-07-07 02:54 pm (UTC)The group in which I was "brought up" offers many fond memories for me. I was young and idealistic and, for the first time, I felt like I was at home. Things turned sour on more than one occasion, but the dynamics of the core group can still be felt among those of us who reunite every once in a while.
Sometimes I wish I could be part of another group/coven/cabal, but I'm so ornery now, I doubt I'd be welcome anywhere.
no subject
Date: 2007-07-07 03:00 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-07-07 03:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-07-07 03:07 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-07-07 03:17 pm (UTC)