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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 - 19 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

Complicated feelings and thoughts and confusion around Christian religion specifically. Mid 20s woman (other factors below fold) who is trying to figure out Christianity and faith after being raised and growing up in it. How exactly do I deal with guilt? How do I make my faith my own and not someone else's while sorting through the exhausting confusion? Personal stories appreciated. [more inside]
posted by buttonedup at 5:11 PM - 22 answers

I have been a practicing [member of X religion] for most of my life, and now I'm not. It's kinda sad, how do I cope? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:06 PM - 22 answers

There‘s a famous quote to the effect of ‚actions that are done out of free will are actually the ones where you felt like you didn’t have a choice but to do the thing, you just got up and did it.‘ What is the actual quote? [more inside]
posted by The Toad at 4:27 PM - 4 answers

I have her books already. I seek community.
posted by DMelanogaster at 11:43 AM - 7 answers

Where does one go, on the internet or other, to find authentic political discussion? Specifically, philosophical ideological discussion. More principles, power, and morality; and less politicians, party, and policy. [more inside]
posted by schemaphi at 9:24 PM - 4 answers