Dear Vywamus
I was born in an Orthodox Jewish fam. and raised very strict according to Jewish law! I think I am a very evolved Soul and a couple of years ago decided to drop most of these restrictions and dogma…though with many stresses attached! …Its very hard…!
What do you suggest? How to cope…with my father…threatening me that I choose another way as he is?
Thank you Vywamus of having entered my life.
Esther
Dear Esther,
I realize what a very deep issue this is for you, and quite a challenge! What I can offer you on the ASK VYWAMUS page are my general recommendations about how to handle a situation like yours, and what role it can play on your spiritual path. And, this issue you struggle with deserves more beyond that. If you can manage it, I would highly recommend a personal session with a wise counselor you trust, where you can take time to go into much more depth and detail than we can here on the web site.
It is no accident that this issue has arisen for you, it is an important part of your spiritual path. You are being pushed to move to a higher level spiritually in order to deal with it. And there are many others out there in similar situations.
For anyone brought up in a particular religion, the decision to move beyond it may be both freeing and difficult. This is particularly so when there is a chance of losing a supportive network of people that you have related to in connection with that religion. Usually there are some ties of love between you and these others in addition to any negative experiences.
Where any interpersonal conflict arises, I always advise the person concerned about it to have a conversation with the other person at the soul level. Go to your deepest core, your higher self, by whatever means you usually get there –meditation is often the easiest — and there talk to their soul. At that level there is always a bond, and they can hear and understand you. And you may better understand them as well. In this case, talk about the changes and new understanding you have experienced, and your love and passion for the spiritual path you see opening up for you.
Then, when actually in the physical presence of those in your original religious network, eventually you may feel the time is right and you are ready to be completely open about your new way of seeing things and your need to no longer abide by some of the old dogmas and rules. You will know when you’re ready to do this in such a direct way. At such a time, you do take the risk that, even if their souls understand, on the earthly level many people will not be able to able to accept your new position, and you chance losing these relationships, at least in the form they are now.
But before taking such a direct step, do talk at the soul level, and do 3 other things:
1) pay attention for a while to the things you actually agree on. In the case of religion, any one of the great religions humanity has know has within its core a goodness and a flow of pure spiritual truth. Often this is covered over by the codifications and rules and regulations and power struggles within the religious organization until it is difficult to experience that truth. But it is there.
In your case, focus on the pure stream of spiritual energy within the Jewish religion. As you probably know, there are actually many mystical threads in the Jewish religion which are very compatible with your new perceptions. For those in other religions reading this, you will find the same in any major religion. You can relate to it because it is the same energy that you are so connected to and uplifted by in your new view. You experience it in a very different way now, of course, and this is right for you. The old forms do not fit you any more.
2) Bring as much love and compassion as you can to your relationships with those who still are in the religion you were brought up with. You may naturally have feelings of rejection, fear, pain, and anger about this situation – don’t try to quash these feelings or get rid of them. Simply accept that they are there. Yet also notice also, when they come to you, your feelings of love and compassion for the others involved in this conflict.
3) Do keep firmly in mind that you con love someone without agreeing with them. Many people, especially younger souls, have the belief that “If you don’t think like me and accept my beliefs, then you don’t love me, and (sometimes) you are against me.”This is not true, of course. You need to remember that in dealing with the other people involved here, even if they cannot grasp it. Whatever they do, they cannot keep you from loving them. And they cannot really destroy the deep underlying spiritual bond that you have between you. Focusing on your love for them, rather than the pain of separation, which is only a temporary illusion, will help you stay at a higher level in dealing with these issues.
Carrying out these 3 recommendations I’ve made will be helpful in whatever conflict may arise. It will also advance your own spiritual growth a great deal.
And remember, we guides and teachers are always with you, giving you our loving support.
Affectionately,
Vywamus