Coming out of the spiritual closet?

[elucidate]

I generally will be open about what I believe in with people I feel or intuit are open to different belief systems, and come from an attitude of genuine curiosity rather than 'I'm right, you're wrong" ego mentality. I've met quite a few people who know magick is real in my life already, so that has been good to not have to hide it with them. My blood relatives know what my beliefs are, and they are generally respectful, even if they think it's delusion.

If someone says to me that he doesn't believe in any of 'that spiritual mumbo jumbo" then I can allow him to think that, and say that I think some of it isn't crap...but won't go too into it with him because he obviously isn't open to hearing about it and will most likely just write me off as a nutcase, which, especially if he's the boss, isn't the smartest move unless I want to leave anyway.

It's not something I feel the need to talk about most of the time, but if the subject comes up with people I'm around at the time, I will participate...again, only if I feel they are respectful to different people believing in different things. There is no point in opening yourself up to ignorant people who think their way is the only one.

[oasis]

Yup, I can definately identify with this. My close family know what I'm truly like, but nearly everybody else is only of the opinion that I have slightly unconventional views. They are unaware of the true extent of my habits (journal writing, meditation, IM etc).

My advice to anyone out there with this problem there would be trying to mix a bit more with people who have similar interests to you, then you wont be so fearful of people you know rejecting and leaving you alone when you truly express yourself.

Not sure of the best places to meet people like us though - apart from this forum of course!

[RevDella]

I used to belong to a traditional religion which had very specific beliefs. Then I began to move along a more spiritual non-religious path. At first, I was frightened to share my beliefs with others. I was not only afraid of their reactions, but I guess on some level I still felt I would go to hell for my beliefs. (These were remnants from my previous religion.)

Now I have grown to the point where I gladly share my spiritual beliefs with others. It is pretty hard for me to hide my spiritual life since I am a minister. When people ask me what type of minister I am, I explain it in terms they can understand. They usually agree and tell me what their beliefs are.

I have come across people (mostly on the web), where I was told that I would go to hell because I did not believe in a specific religion. (Some people can really get bent out of shape over the topic.) That is when I calmly let them know that Spirit is love and there are many paths to Spirit. I usually don't hear from them after that.

Della