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I lost something of great sentimental value to me, and I'm quite sure I'm never going to be able to find it. How do I train my brain to understand that's it's not that big a deal in the grand scheme of things? [more inside]
posted by kryptondog at 9:11 AM - 39 answers

I really want to make confession but don't have a regular church anymore. Where can I drop in and not feel uncomfortable? In NYC. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:27 AM - 6 answers

There is presumably a "medieval European legend of how Christ was chased by his enemies. In that story, Jesus blessed the animals who helped him and cursed those who hindered him as he fled from his persecutors." I think that, from his helping and cursing, those animals came to have some of their defining characteristics. Does anyone know of this legend???
posted by mrmanvir at 1:33 AM - 3 answers

How do you stop thinking about something that is bothering you? For instance, let's say you are undecided about something in your life, whether it is a relationship, whether to stay at a job, etc. Whenever I have a problem like that, my mind will think about it from the moment I wake up, til I go to bed, and won't stop no matter what I'm doing, even when I try my hardest not to think about it. I've tried mindfulness in a sense of allowing the thoughts there and going about my day anyways, and I've tried distraction techniques. Sometimes the thing is something that I can't decide right then, and need more time to feel out, but the constant thinking about it depresses my mood. I'm wondering if anyone has some helpful tips.
posted by oracleia at 3:43 PM - 12 answers

What it says. I'm looking for any intelligent/intellectual engagement with prayer. Could be historical or how to. Any faith tradition is OK, as long as it's not simplistic "ask God for stuff and you'll get it." Please don't answer unless you're willing to explain your recommendation at least a little bit. I can find a list of titles on Amazon. I'm looking for books that MeFites find meaningful or useful. Fiction is OK if it's very high quality. Something like a TED talk would be fine too. Thank you!
posted by FencingGal at 7:36 AM - 27 answers

I've been doing a lot of reading (Joko Beck, Pema Chodron, Joseph Goldberg, others) and I sort of know how to try to meditate and I do try at home. But I would like to find a place where I can sit and meditate in a room with other people. In Manhattan and preferably in the West or East Village. [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 12:56 PM - 7 answers

There are a lot of different models for "Psychic Energy". Auras, Ki, the mood of an audience or just someone being a downer all get that description. I’m looking for a book or other resource that breaks out the various forms and talks some about how they fit (or don’t) with the context they arise in. Skeptical, non-skeptical, anthropological... I’ll take whatever I can find. Thanks.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 9:24 PM - 3 answers

This past post on the blue has really resonated with me over the past few months, and I want to dig deeper into Aristotle's virtue ethics, but I know if I just buy his writings they'll sit unread on my shelf. Does anyone have recommendations for readings on the same theme/ideas, that are maybe less intimidating than the source material? My last philosophical exposure was about a decade ago in a Phil101 class. Thank you!
posted by matrixclown at 10:17 AM - 5 answers

I grew up in a Catholic parish that did not have wine at communion until I was about 12. This question made me realise I have no idea how common (or not) this is, nor how common (or not) it is for some individuals to not take wine at communion. Can anyone explain how this has changed over time/place? [more inside]
posted by hoyland at 4:39 PM - 31 answers

I have celiac disease. This has made taking Eucharist (in Episcopal, Methodist, Lutheran, and UCC churches, usually) very difficult. Do any celiacs, clergy, or others have ideas for a kit I can bring to churches to make communion safe for me? [more inside]
posted by cnidaria at 1:59 PM - 21 answers

I AM THE LORD is basically the biblical equivalent of a mic drop for when God really wants to make a point. Is there equivalent for Mary, Mother of God? [more inside]
posted by Jilder at 4:45 PM - 11 answers

I use Insight Timer for guided meditation almost every night before bed. I found some meditations that I enjoy but, I’d be really interested to experiment with a wider range. If you use this app, what are your favorite meditations? What about them appeals to you? How and for what do you use them? Thanks!
posted by jeszac at 7:04 PM - 7 answers

Heya, I've got a question about a political movement?/group?/cult that's started up in my organising circles. Firstly, it's difficult to find out out about it due to the vagueness with which it's adherents are operating. The main sign is the changing of their profile pictures to this or something very similar. [more inside]
posted by AnhydrousLove at 6:37 AM - 20 answers

Is there a term for "the practical outcomes matter more than the principles?" Not utilitarianism. [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 1:21 PM - 8 answers

Sometimes I start to think I'm seeing the same story in every tarot reading I do for myself, focusing on the same details and threads of narrative. Tarot-reader friends, how would you interpret this spread with regard to one's life and relationships? I'm happy to answer any follow-up questions that might add context. Cards inside. [more inside]
posted by limeonaire at 9:24 PM - 9 answers

Looking for casual or academic Native American philosophy in a native voice. I'd like native authors or interviews with natives as opposed to academic books about Native American thought or overviews. [more inside]
posted by Gargantuantoe at 10:30 PM - 11 answers

I've been homeless for the past six weeks (some details inside). Several people have suggested that I contact local churches/faith communities for help with a place to stay for a while but no one has specifics about how it's done. I'm usually fine on the phone and have contacted all kinds of local resources for help but for some reason this is hugely triggering my anxiety and I can't even bring myself to start. I would really appreciate a script or any other suggestions you have to help me do this. [more inside]
posted by camyram at 10:40 AM - 15 answers

I vaguely remember reading a theory about language, storytelling, and writing fundamentally changing the way humans perceive the world, but I have no idea if this is a known and respected theory or just some thing I read on a random blog. Are there any well-known theories like this? [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 7:26 AM - 11 answers

It's my perception that the C of E skews heavily middle/upper class in their average congregation, which seems to be backed up by a number of thinkpieces I've read, but I've had a look and can't find any reliable statistics/studies on this. Can someone point me to some? [more inside]
posted by threetwentytwo at 8:48 AM - 8 answers

Many years ago I read a quotation in a book by some woman - possibly a religious book. In it was a quotation from a rabbi that said something like, God provides a wonderful surprise after death--something like that. I have searched all over with all sorts of terms--can't find it. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel seemed like a potential source but no luck. Wish I had written it down, but I was young and no one I knew was dying at the time. Any leads?
posted by Mayree at 2:26 PM - 2 answers