Mind, God, Atheism, Yoga

My mom thinks (or wants to really believe) that when you die, your body just turns 'off', much like a machine. She always calls it, "game over" No soul, no spirit, no 'after-life' like Prince sings about in "Let's Go Crazy". I was not brought up in church or with an ounce of religion-far from it infact- and this philosophy works. You were just a good person, you knew how to do the right, good thing and did it. You worked hard, enjoyed yourself, and that was that. As it should be. Much to my parents disbelief, I'd spent some time in church...they were surprised. But to me, it is sometimes like going to yoga, or going out into nature, or reading philosophy, I suppose. My mom reminded me on the phone the other day what I used to say growing up "until a man in a white robe comes down out of the sky, I can't believe in all these man made rules".But there is something called 'Faith' and not just religious faith. Where do you think 'optimism' came from? It is simply a beleif in us (no other person or thing or mysterious unknown 'deity') that there is an energy that picks up on positive thoughts. And it does. But what IS that energy? Is it the cosmic big bang force that's like a machine that just follows your thoughts like a computer- 'garbage in, garbage out'? Is it some sort of God, is it just sheer will? Truly it is a mystery. This mystery always gets re-inforced when I watch shows like 'Nova' and the stars and galaxies and the flowers blooming, I mean how?? Do I even NEED to know. Not really, although I am a curious girl. :) lol
So, until the day that there is an absolute, I am open, but not convinced of anytning other than my own mind and heart. Any place that teaches love and peace-whether it is in nature or an occasional service or an intense meditative yoga class, or a good laugh with someone-a kiss, I'm open. I stand where I stand, in love, with no need to be co-orced into any 'regimen'. There are no absolute proofs, except your own heart. Don't believe the hype.
Really, it's all the same. Trouble happens when people look for something to cling too, and with religion, sometimes too desperately. It's really just about trying to find mind control and peace of mind. Walt Whitman always said he found it in nature (Leaves Of Grass anyone?)
I believe you can find this on a walking trail, in moments when your quiet and calm, when you think things through, or get lost in a physical activity that takes your complete focus, when you are in love or doing something your are completely passionate about. So, I am opting my occasional church stops for yoga class. This helps focus my body and mind and makes me feel physically good as well. Most religion is corrupt and reminds me of politics. I never was one for getting up every Sunday anyway--aren't we suppose to be sleeping and eating pancakes in our pajamas. ;)