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How has your belief in reincarnation changed your life?

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Franklin

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I got interested in reincarnation last summer when my four-year old granddaughter started talking about a previous life. Before this I had never given reincarnation a second thought. I started reading Sylvia Browne's books and started understanding what reincarnation was all about and how its purpose is to evolve our souls. I feel really comfortable with her ideas about reincarnation, much more than the old concept of heaven and hell that I was raised with. My belief in reincarnation has made me a more understanding and tolerant person than I was before. I realize now that I am is an evolved soul produced by the experiences of many lifetimes. In some lifetimes I am sure that I was good, in others perhaps bad. But the end result is the person that I am today. So how has your belief in reincarnation changed your life?

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A Gnostic Christian in search of truth
 
Hi Franklin,

Beleiving in Reincarnation has given me a more whole view of my life, from the time of conception, to the time of death. I more readily accept both, than I ever have before.

I was brought up Catholic (which I find that many floating around here are), and told that Jesus died for our sins, was raised to heaven and will come back to us again.

It's been a long time that I've believed that "I was different", and I could never understand why my parents didn't accept me as such.

Learning about reincarnation has given me much more of a vast understanding of my life, where I come from, and what I have to deal with in this life in order to continue.

There's a lot that I still have to learn, and as well, there's a lot that I've already overcome.

Hope you're all having a great day! Take Care, Love Always, -Kat.
 
Hi Franklin,

I have struggled my whole life with my spirituality and what felt right and wrong. I was also raised Catholic, and that's not a bad thing, but I struggled with the idea that there must be more than one truth. How can only one group or religion be the right one? Why isn't everyone right? Aren't we all on a journey or different steps on a ladder? Some of us are at the bottom, some are in the middle and some have made it to the top.

As I said before, I was aethist for a few years. If there is a God, How come so many horrible things happen to people? How come the terrible things that happened to me had to happen? Why? Why? Why? Even while I convinced myself of that, I still had feelings of the 'unknown' or spirit world. No, no, that's just my overactive imagination, right?

One day when I was 15, a born again Christian approached me and asked what religion I was. So, I said I was Catholic. (Saying you didn't believe was looking for trouble. So I thought!) He had the nerve to tell me I was going to go to hell because I believed in the Virgin Mary and the only way to heaven was to pray to Jesus. He would pray with me, then and there to save my soul. I could die on the way home and I wouldn't be saved, etc... Remember, Mt. Vesuvius(sp) I mentioned in your 'first timers' post. Well, it went off on him!!! I told him about other cultures and their beliefs, about Native American wisdom, Catholics, Muslims, Buddhists, etc... (Where did I get all that knowledge?) I told him that if he really bothered to take the time to learn about people, he would realize how alike we all are. That we just have different names for everything. I can't remember everything else I said to him, but he told me he would pray for me!

Sorry, I drifted a bit there, but I think it is all related. My belief in reincarnation has changed my life because I do now understand and have a peace within myself that 'everything does happen for a reason.' I can go through the current turmoil in my life and know that 'this too shall pass.' Although, I don't hesitate to say, "What the hell!" I know I have to experience it, to understand it. Then I can graduate and go home. I know my experiences as a whole have made me who I am today. I know that God isn't as cruel as I once thought.

Take care,
Julie

[This message has been edited by JulieZ (edited 03-19-2001).]
 
Hi Julie, I can relate with you 100%. I've never had a "Christian" saying that they'd pray for me, but I've been exposed to so many different religions, I've always questionned the 100% validity of my own. Not saying that some parts of it isn't right, but I think that it's more the lessons that we have to take away from it that is right, that the Bible teachings themselves.

Even though I've been raised Catholic, I find that I associate more with Tibetan Buddhism (sp?) and the Dalia Lama's than anyone/anything else. I really like their meaning of compassion.

Hope you're all having a great day.

Take Care, -Kat.
 
Hi Franklin,

Ultimately the belief in reincarnation is based on experience, either through a loved one or by personal experience. Remembering who I was, and who loved ones were, and why I struggle with some and have such an affinity with others has given many AH HA!!!! moments LOLOL.

But for me, what came with the belief in reincarnation was expanded awareness' - OBE's, remote viewing, altered states, and a deep exploration into the realms of consciousness. Reincarnation was and is just the first stepping stone!

------------------
Love,
Deborah

Lifes experiences weave a tapestry of knowledge
 
Hi Julie,

If I may say so, you sound like a good and sincere person, like many of the other people here. Thanks for sharing your experiences and feelings with us.

Top of the morning and good day to you,
Regards, why
 
Why,
What a nice compliment! Thank you.

Kathy,
I agree with you about the lessons to be learned. To this day, if I feel the need to go to Church, I will go to the Catholic church and listen to the eulogy. I also like to just think while I am there. A lot of times it is very comforting and inspirational. It's just all the rules I can do without and don't believe.

Take care,
Julie
 
Actually learning about reincarnation has made me understand that there is a purpose to everything. No matter how wrong or evil things may appear here and now, sooner or later, the wheel will come around, and good will prevail.
catseye
 
Hi all

I remember that I just logically figured out that there MUST be reincarnation, when I was twenty. Maybe I got some backing up from my cousin, who has always known how the things really are. But I did not consider that time that my very own fears and traumas could be from my past life. I only came on that conclusion more than thirty years later. The "belief" in reincarnation (=knowing that´s the way it goes) makes the life easier and more logical to anyone. I still go to our nearby Lutheran church, because I somehow love it and I feel the closeness to God. But I cannot buy the Lutheran doctrine of forgiving the sins just like that.....and going to heaven without helping your next one...

LarryZ
 
I personally have always believed in reincarnation. Anything that was outside of what some would call norm, was encouraged in my family. I was taught from an early age that we all have a multitude of gifts. We only lose them because we are taught to ignore them or because they don't get used.

Reincarnation seems to be the same way. I have memories of past lives that I have had all of my life. I'm not sure that I would still have them consciously if it weren't for the fact that my parents encouraged me to hold on to them. Also, the more I explore the more I find.

So, now that I've gone on a slight tangent, I'll get back to the subject. Given my background I wasn't sure if I had a response for this thread at first. After thinking about it for a while I find that I do. It isn't the change in belief or the fact that I believe that has changed my life, but rather the discoveries about myself that have affected my life. I am fairly new to this forum, but you can find me all over it. There are a lot of things that I never connected to a past life. When I did do so, it was very healing. These include a strange reaction I had from time to time in swimming pools, and my wondering if I was going crazy because of some horrible flashes from a past life. I didn't know that they were of a past life and they were very frightening. I have also been able to get over some of my own hang-ups or prejudices, so to speak. I found that once I figured out why I had a problem with a type of personality or certain people (not based on race, more just attitude), I no longer had that hangup. If I do, I don't really notice it so much. Through exploration, reincarnation has made me a better and happier person in all.
 
What a great thread. I don't remember a time when I didn't believe in reincarnation. It's just always been there for me. While I haven't had any concrete memories from the past I just *know* I've been here before. And knowing that I have been here before and will be here again helps me look at the relationships, hardships etc that I have been through (am going through)a little differently than the mainstream. I try to be patient and accepting because we are all here to learn something from one another. Believing in reincarnation is also comforting when someone passes away, you just know they are ok and they went home...which is why we are all here...we're on a spiritual journey with lessons to be learned so we can return home.

Bright Blessings,
Brin
 
For me there are two major aspects

1. everybody is different from birth on. We have to respect anybody, as he or she might have been a hero or our lifesaver before. Everybody is devine above that.

2. we are no victims, but creators. We don't have to wait for a saviour, but are or own saviours. Also we don't need to project a constructed meaning into family or anything that takes the place of the idea of the saviour, but can concentrate on giving.

I am into reincarnation for some months only, because it seemed to me that the world leadership believes in it too - but tries to keep it for themselves.
 
Hello Franklin,

Remembering has helped me tremendously. I now know the reasons why I have certain attitudes and difficulties and because I understand myself better, I have a better concept of how to go about dealing with problems or challenges that I face from time to time.

I also feel an even stronger bond with God and the non-solid world because now I am willing to listen and pay attention to that what exists around me. I have also come to realize that the modern version of Catholicism is really messed up. I like the old ways. It was more spiritual, logical, and rational in dealing with topics such as ghosts, reincarnation, and so on....

It has really opened up my mind because I remember how things were before.

Rittmeister
 
Believing in reincarnation has caused me to reconsider my life's work.

I had a first career working with children that I found emotionally rewarding, but financially lacking. So I left and found a well-paying job with alot of perks like a big benefits package, respect from others, a bit of glamour. But this job means very little to me personally.

Then I discovered reincarnation through an extrememly traumatic relationship breakup and it has totally changed my worldview again. I am working 50 - 60 hours at my well-paying, well-respected McJob while gaining training to be a birth & post partum doula.

I now want to assist these new souls into the world in the most humane and compassionate manner possible - giving them a good start in life. I'm taking classes in the evenings and weekends and hope to be certified soon.

Then, when I start my family this fall (hopefully!) after I give birth, I can leave my corporate world and do more significant work with children and families, as I was *meant* to do.

That is just one (big) example of how the belief in reincarnation has changed my life.
 
I have come to believe in reincarnation slowly...from the time I read "Bridey Murphy"(which my mom took great pains to point out was a hoax...I've also heard the opposite?)
It gained strength from the odd memory like conversations I had with my then 2 to 3 year old son..to everyday life which seems to bear out evidence everyday.
Although I cannot say I have vivid memories of my own...besides a few recurring dreams and visitations(?)...Reincarnation has had a great impact on my relationship to people and life itself.
I used to look at a baby as an empty shell. waiting to "learn"..Now I am in awe of these little people for the knowledge,experience and bravery they have for choosing to come back to Earth school.
As well, I have a much greater respect for all people and creatures, knowing thy have each chosen to come here for a unique purpose.
Knowing that we are all connected as souls is significant.
Also...the "achieving" of life is no small task. The fact that we bear responsibility for this and to each other is paramount in importance.
In all, I find that those who truly accept Reincarnation as a fact tend to have a more positive outlook, tend to be more humane, thought-full and the kind of people I like to count among my friends.
Life, in its eternity is truly a "wonder-full" mystery!
Nexus
 
Madison
What do you mean start your family
gettting married, or giving birth
adopting.
That sounds so cool about your career
did you go to school
or is this to be on the job training
could you tell me more details
thanks
nona
 
For me, reincarnation has helped me to be more grateful for my life and family. I realize that I may have another chance to do things in another life, but, it will never be exactly the way it is now, with the same exact people/circumstances, and it truly is a blessing to be part of this arrangement the way it is now. At least, that is how I look at it (I realize that not all people are so lucky- but, I think it is a lot like the old cliche, if we all had to look into another person's bag of troubles, we would rather hang on to our own than trade).

Another thing that has really changed for me is my approach to "sin". It was almost like I was in a wrestling match with "sin" before. Now, I do not see my mistakes this way. I realize that I am always learning. I am learning that I do not want to repeat some of these mistakes and how not to head down those paths again. I realize that, "life's lessons not learned the first time repeat themselves," and I would rather spend my time enjoying the journey rather than repeating patterns.

Well, that was my two cents worth;-)

Peace, Health, and Happiness to all who read this post,

Lastearthling

[This message has been edited by Lastearthling (edited 07-30-2001).]
 
For me, it has helped me to become in tune with my inner-self(especially my psychic abilities, which grew tremendusly), as well as the world around me. It has helped me change and understand sooo many thing going on inside and around me, like why I feel a certain way about something, etc. I has really had a positive impact on my life and do not regret for a moment ever finding out any info on them.
 
I can't remember ever not believing or knowing either. I started reading about yogis, buddhism, janis etc. when I was about 12 or so maybe before. I have read adult themed books since about 8 years old, so I am not sure.

Over my 50+ years, I have read (studied) everything from Metaphysics, Past Lives/Life Therapy/and Regression. I read most of the older books way back when they were written in the 60's and 70's.

I have tried to conduct my life in a manner that is consistent with my beliefs. I have tried to "teach" what I have learned in instances where I feel that I have helped others to understand or "see" something more clearly. I think that is all you can do really is try to be the best that you can.

For sure, if more people took to this way of thinking, the world would be a better place.
 
I read this ode in High School and wanted to know what the author was saying.
That started my trek for the truth.

I have been here before
But where or how I cannot tell
I know the grass beyond the door
The sweet, keen smell
The sighing sound: the lights around the shore
You have been mine before
How long ago I may not know
But just when at that swallow’s soar
Your neck turned so
Some veil did fall-I knew it all of yore.

Dante Gabriel Rossetti
 
My belief in reincarnation has saved my life....literally.

My past life was very traumatic, bringing with me emotional wounds that were still quite deep. I have had depression and anorexia for a long time and it helped me realize that this is because of the past and I'm not living that life anymore...this is a new one, and I'm safe.
 
My belief in reincarnation has caused me to "play out" some "hands" I've been dealt in this life, rather than bail out of them...simply because I believe that if you don't "tough out" your lessons this time around, you'll have to deal with them again. And next time, it could be even worse!
 
Belief in reincarnation and karma has been a key factor in shaping my attitudes to life.Things which in the past I would have viewed as a curse I now view as a challenge to be overcome and an opportunity to grow and develop spiritually.I am no longer as selfish as my belief in Karma causes me to make a conscious effort to treat others as I would wish them to treat me.I am by no means perfect and I sometimes revert to my old selfish ways but I now have a sense of purpose and direction in my life which I was previously lacking.



[This message has been edited by ANDREW-J (edited 08-20-2001).]
 
I agree with Andrew-j. The Bhagavad Gita (which was Gandhi's favorite book) considered the most authoritative book on reincarnation by Gandhi, Thoreau,Emerson and many others says, "The non-permanent appearance of
happiness and distress and there disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They must be tolerated without being disturbed."
 
I am a Christian, so I was never really taught to believe reincarnation, but even so came to believe it through my own experiences and memories. I think it has helped me accept and understand myself better.
 
Believing in reincarnation, first of all, helped me answer the two big questions that kept me an athiest (in my late teens); why is there so much seemingly random suffering in the world; and how can there be consciousness independent of the body, when consciousness seems to be so dependent on the state of the body and brain?

Second, it helped me put into perspective experiences I had in my childhood that confused me. Now I realize they almost certainly were memories of past lives. In fact, just yesterday I *think* I remembered something I'd forgotten for probably 40 years (I'm 48). My father was in the merchant marines all his working life, and I *think* at one point he was talking about being on the sea, and as a little boy I chimed in, "I sailed on ships too!" And I *think* I vaguely remember him correcting me in no uncertain terms, as though I was making it up. This is vague and just came to me yesterday, so I'm not sure about it. If it happened, I suppressed it from then on. But I'm quite sure I did spend time in a previous life on the sea.

Thirdly, and maybe most importantly, reincarnation has helped me take responsibility for *all* of my tendencies, including my "shadow". This may seem paradoxical for people who think that if everybody believed in reincarnation, they could just avoid responsibility for everything, saying "it's just my karma" or "I'll deal with it in another life, no hurry about it." But for me, I see that ultimately I'm responsible for everything. And I might as well make as clean a path for myself as I can for the future, since I'm literally creating my future now.
Steve S.
 
Well, I have nothing much to say. What I was going to say is almost identical to what JulieZ already said. (Right down to being Catholic!)

But I will say this for myself. I feel that believeing in reincarnation has made me a better person. Reincarnation has made me see that EVERYTHING that happens in life has a purpose.It also has made me see people differently.Now I don't mean to offend anyone if this the politically incorrect term, but if I see a fat person, for example, I no longer see a fat person. I see a little girl or boy inside that body. The body is just an outer shell.( Christianity teaches this, but reincarnation makes it easier to see if you know what i mean.)

When I look into someones eyes (or even if I don't) I know no matter what age a person is, they still are a little boy or a little girl. We are all here to experience....
 
My belief in reincarnation has relieved my fear of death and oblivion. The concept of heaven for an afterlife may sound romantic, but for those of us that thrive on challenge and mystery it could be extremely boring. (after a few million years you will want to jump up and down on that harp) Eternity is a long time! Our lives may just be the ultimate in 3-d gaming!
 
My belief is reincarnation has changed my life a lot. My parents have started to think I have a very over active imagination and treat me like I need help. I have stopped saying anything to them anymore, but if they see me on this site, or any other like it, they treat me like a weirdo for a week or two.

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"Some men see things as they are and say, 'Why?' I dream of things that never were and say, 'Why not?'"
 
I wonder why some people react that way? My ex-wife used to get absolutely FURIOUS with me when I mentioned reincarnation. Very odd.
 
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