The dragon started to huff and puff, on both recent posts, but he didn't get out of control either time

I'm about to say some things that might really shock you, considering you are a Christian. I believe in God, and I believe in the wisdoms of many faiths.

First, what I hear is your caution that I am taking on too much, or trying to be too big for myself. I disagree. I am empowering myself to take action and charge of my own life. I think I am more or less typical of most people. I don't hear their voices, but I'm sure there are those who've suffered the same as I have and for the many of the same causes. What I put down here is directed to them as much as for myself. I'm certain you wouldn't do it intentionally, but your discouragement amounts to "de-empowering" me.

Second, the Bible, IMO, reduces our sense of individual power in these aspects:

a. Life is suffering. Why should we accept this concept?

b. There is only one saviour. It's not my intention to debate the definition of saviour or the intent of the statement. BUT, I do think this simple statement effectively ties our hands from daring to attempt to enlighten ourselves or others. The end result is, no one at all should attempt to lift up the masses. The implied incredulation is "Just who do you think you are?" The answer given by the Bible is: Just wait right here, make no moves until "the saviour" comes. Sounds like a corporate plot designed to keep it's employees from going on strike.

This statement might lead you to believe I want to be a saviour. I am not on a religious quest. I have no more ambition to be a saviour than a doctor, fireman, quarterback, etc... Do I want to save myself? Yes! Would I feel great if others were helped along the way, or chose to chip in and offer their input? Absolutley!

I have been labeled "wanna be saviour". I didn't take the title nor do I want it. I'm attempting (to use a phrase I hate, but it applies) to think outside the box. Daring to think for myself instead of swallowing every cockamamee theory some new age guru puts forth on how to avoid the pain and feel bliss... Ever wonder why these guys keep coming back with more ideas? Because none of them work, the pain stays with us until we face it.

We re-hash the same old dogma never making any real progress. We get doped up and the pain is less severe, so we accept this is the best there is. You even exemplify exactly what I mean:

Exactly!! In my experience with depression, no amount of thinking, much less action will change anything for me because of the chemical imbalance in my brain.

That is not my point exactly. What I said is the imbalance is possibly caused by <font color=red>inaction</font color=red>. I'm reminded of the rhetoric some politicians echo back and forth between each other like a broken record " WOMD's" until it's firmly engrained on our brain there are no other points worth considering. The depression equivelant is "chemical imbalance." It get's tossed back and forth like some catchy office lingo that no one can resist taking part in. Even the doctors have no idea what causes this imblance. But we do have a pill for it. I don't mean to be insulting, but please re-read my post, and make sure you understand it before it is quoted.

Finally, this may be a small point, but in reference to an earlier statement you made such as "getting rid of our bad feelings". We can't get rid of our bad feelings. We can transform them.

Please remove me from your "saviour" list and put me down at a human level and allow me to have my own sense of empowerment, that HELL YES, I hope is contagious.

I apologize in advance that this seems to be an attack on you. It is not. It is a defense on me. ((((((( Tomi )))))))


"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time we fall." Confucius