SPIRITUALITY FORUM Yes or NO?

[Marco Renda]

Attention fellow TY MEMBERS at this time I really need your input.

Our Spirituality Forum has been a sore spot with me since we stated the forum. We have gone through several Moderators and I really don't know who should look after it.

I always thought that that forum was there to give a daily positive and uplifting message to those who go there. When I was in rehab we had these little books that had daily messages which I found to help others so maybe that is what is needed there in that forum.

We have Raton as a Co - Mod

So where do we go with this 1 do we keep it and make some changes or do let it go?

If we keep it then I need someone who will be able to make that forum work effectively

Please let me know your thoughts on this

Take Care and Peace
Marco

[groo]

I think the biggest problem is that too many people confuse sprituality with religion. There have also been too many cases of the forum being filled with borderline abusive "philosophical" posts (quite some time ago, fortunately.)

Maybe instead of a mod in the usual sense, it would work better with a community mod system. Maybe some kind of voting ala Slashdot/Kuro5hin for locking/hiding threads that shows everyone what the vote was on getting rid of the thread.

Or maybe it's just Monday and I'm thinking too much. Off to work...

[pierre drouin]

what would someone need to be doing exactly to run this spirituality forum?

it's soo funny this morning i was turning on my lights and I got this inter peace for the first time relising I was gonna re-start living again soon and not just existe.

then I log on and your asking if we should keep this forum,maybe it was a sign to get more involve in here and try to do my part in helping others.

I don't feel like this every day but hey since I started my garden i found a place to meditate and it is my new sanctuary,we could almost say I had a spiritual awakening lol.

I know I know i sound like am smoking good stuff and guess what I am:D

well anyways I would like to help and if I can in some way to make this place just a little better it would be great.

you all have a wonderfull day and let me know what you think marco,peace:)

[Marco Renda]

OK 9 people have voted so far but only 2 people have made comments. How can I really decide whether to keep it or not if members don't state how they feel?

[Merlin]

Always seemed like more of a religous (sp) forum to me, but I am often confused

[Storm Crow]

We should keep it for the simple reason that cannabis use does have an impact on one's spirit.

[slater]

i say we keep it. i like to think i am spiritual, but not relegious.

[anonymous]

please forgive me but I have no spritual or religious back ground...but I do think its a good forum to have I think we just need to express how wide of a variety of religeon there is and that TY favors no one religeon more than the other so if we could all just respect each others visions of life I think everyone would be happy..!!

[Happyplant]

I'm neither religious or very spiritual but I think the forum should be kept I have visited it befofe from time to time. I know the little books of which you speak Marco, I've seen a few in my day. I like the idea of the daily message. Kinda like little motivators or thoughts to poder.

[1JoeSky_IVXX]

Keep it as is! Whether one has a belief or not they do have a spirit, whether or not they acknowledge that is up to the individual and not the group.

Please leave the forum in place, and if to satisfy others include another additional mod that will be respectful of ALL, not just the beleivers.

Thanks and peace,
Joe

[hollowpoint]

I voted to be rid of it, solely because my opinion of religion is best expressed by reading the news lately. for that reason I never visited there, as I wouldn't frequent a political forum either. I guess I have enough on my plate that those arguments just don't matter to me anymore..
if you're going to keep it, give it some direction, purpose, and goals. ie a daily meditation thats non religion specific, and guidelines about darwinism creation or attacking other religions. just my 2 bits.

[Unicorn]

I voted to remove it, because it has caused so much trouble and stress for Many. It has nothing to do with my spiritual or religious thoughts and feelings.

[Nardwarz]

I voted to keep it. But I agree with unicorn in the fact that it has been a pain for many.

If it is kept, it needs some changes. It shouldn't be used to debate religion. It should be there to give members hope and feel good enough to get up and face another day. Positive thoughts and nothing but. If religion is to be the topic, then each religion should have its own forum.

[Tonya]

I voted keep it

because I think we all need some uplifting moments spiritually nomatter what we believe

actually its my favorite forum anywhere I visit

[GreenThumb]

I never visit that forum but I voted yes.
Some days when a member is in need of a boost they just might find something there to help make it through the day..
A suggestion:
Maybe have a "Thought For The Day" posted each morning. Not necessarily religious but spiritually uplifting.

[leroy]

Keep it, the daily affirmations are a good idea Marco. I've seen them in lot's of rehab's too.

[Lucy]

I voted to keep it....I think it reflects the people who contribute to it....as long a we are respectful of different ways of thinking than it is in keeping with what I feel a spirituality forum should be.
One is always free to participate or not...just as one is free to read threads in the forum.

[Lucy]

I just wanted to add that for some people they see religion and spirituality at least intertwined...while others such as myself see them as distinct...I do believe that neither is right or wrong, but just a varying perspective....again respect should be the over-riding principle.

[HopaLong]

I voted to get rid of it just because it has caused headaches for the mods and Marco.

[green girl]

Keep please, but if there is trouble being caused, then please also make some changes. I too like to dip my toe into the spirituality water side, though I run away from organized religion! Please don't take away something that so many beneift from. Don't ruin a good thing because a few people take advantage of the situation in a poor way. Spiritually we can be both light and dark.

[Gardening Quietly]

Spirituality is beneficial when you are Treating Yourself. :)

GQ

[swampy]

Keep it, most the arguments against it sound like they are against religion, Piere sounds like he was called right on time to moderate the Spirituality forum and I am feeling guilty for not helping more around Ty so I too will volunteer to help Piere if you want Marco. For a few months now I've felt spiritually bankrupt so maybe this is what I need :o

[buddyh]

I just made a long post here and when I went to post it, guess what?
I was no longer logged in.
Jesus Christ!!!
I don't have it in me to rethink and retype the whole shebang, so I'll put it breifly.

The Spritiuality Forum has a place here. A good place. I think that it runs fine.
I also think that the problems in the forum come from outside of it and not from within it and have a lot to do with ego and not sprituality.
We're spiritual beings, the fact that we're aware of our impending demise makes it so.
We all die, why are folks sweating the liitle shit?

If I pull on the string, I can almost see where it began.
I'm both surprised and not surprised. It has nothing at all to do with spirituality.
And that just ain't right!

[swampy]

It looks like Tonya is posting daily afermations at Ty now she would be perfect to help too :)

[relic1981]

I think the forum should be kept for sure. it is the onlyplace here besides the rant room where we can really branch off into soe deep thinking, soul searching, AN soul strecthing. i think most would agree.
relic

[gen131]

i voted to keep the spiritual forum. i hope that i have not caused anyone any grief with my postings but i feel that i have. so i apologize to anyone that i have offended. it is true that i think that any organized religion with doctrine is babylon it is not true of my feelings for the people.

on the other hand i feel that spirituality is interwoven with all of life and that mj is a spiritual herb so really to me ty is a spiritual place and doesnt need a forum to be so. love is the only law that you need. love god with all your heart and your neighbor as you love yourself. i think that any spiritual person can be a mod of the forum if love is kept as the basis.

ps: long discourses cut and pasted are a real turn-off. if you like an article, please just write in your own words what it meant to you.

[1JoeSky_IVXX]

I would like to know if this Keep it/ Get rid of it- poll also include's keeping or getting rid of Raton as one of the moderators?

[swampy]

I would like Raton to stay and didn't volunteer to get him out but help him out, Spirituality is too big for 1 person to handle. 4 would be the best number

[Marco Renda]

Raton is the CO MODERATOR that will NOT CHANGE if the members decide to keep the forum with or without changes.

The question I asked was for the FORUM only not for the moderator. If we were to remove that FORUM I will give RATON another FORUM to MODERATE as he has done NOTHING to warrant him being removed as a mod

Take Care and Peace
Marco

[1JoeSky_IVXX]

Thank you Marco, I was just needing a little clarification.

Thanks and Peace
Joe

[Binky]

Religion is daily bread- not cake for special occasions.

I vote keep it, only to respect ones freedom of religion and spirituality, we have to keep in mind it's diversiveness. Def no politikin' in this forum, it doesn't mix!

[Raton]

in my humble opinion.

The Spirituality Forum, I have often been told, is one of the best parts of TY. No matter who has run it in the past, it has been a place of tolerance, compassion and healing.

We have had a crystal worshipper (I think), a former Minister, a couple of Buddhists (one with Native American beliefs as well) and now myself for a Moderator. In one case I acted as an unofficial 'silent partner' when the mod in question was hesitant to take up the post. In another (northernwymon, my love) I was made co-moderator to give her the confidence to pick up the reins.

I like this forum and will work hard to make it whatever Marco and the rest of you want it to be.

As to the question of a co-mod, I would welcome one. Spirituality is not a particularly busy forum but, when a problem arises, it is usually a thorny one and a second (or third) opinion is welcome. Many times I have phoned others before making a decision about how to proceed. I tend to post less than most and let my co-mod take the more visible role.

Also, if some sort of 'daily affirmations' are to be part of the forum, I would rather that someone else do it. I am capable and would do my best because it's 'my job', but I often find such 'Spiritual graffiti' to be trite and spirit-less. Not always but it's hard to get the taste out of my mouth (so to speak) when it happens. Someone who enjoys that aspect of Spiritual forums would be happier, I think.

Finally, it would be good to have some Spiritual 'diversity'. I walk an admittedly unusual path and it often makes people uncomfortable that I 'have no God'. Those people might be happier knowing that someone with a more familiar Spiritual calling was available.

Remember that a Moderator is NOT a Spiritual Leader or a Spiritual Guide; just a forum moderator like any other. It is, however, a forum that requires more tolerance, tact and open-mindedness than most.

[coco_artist]

The Spirituality Forum at Ty is a Ministry like no other. It is a multi-faith Chaplaincy. It plays a valuable role in the site. Families and friends must have someone to talk to when a loved one dies. This, unfortunately, will only happen more frequently as the site progresses. It is imperative to have a person in place who can deal with these issues.

[Green Medicine]

I also think that the problems in the forum come from outside of it and not from within it and have a lot to do with ego and not sprituality.


Wow, look at all the willing helpers just dying to help out with the inquisition!

Can anyone define "Sprituality" for me? Not your own version...perhaps a more mainstream definition.

I see more ego (I should know ego well) than "Spirit"

I just bought a fish tank.....to watch the piranha's.....

Something to ponder. Do we all need to be "reformed"?
.
.

[Green Medicine]

The forum works fine as long as no one plays God....and God's are working real hard on their individual agenda's..witness the mess happening behind the scenes.

Every Man Desires to be God.....I prefer Him in heaven..not controlling a forum on a medical marijuana site...

.
.

[swampy]

I didn't volunteer to be GOD or any of this crap GM and Im not willing to put up with it so I withdraw


Wow, look at all the willing helpers just dying to help out with the inquisition!

Can anyone define "Sprituality" for me? Not your own version...perhaps a more mainstream definition.

I see more ego (I should know ego well) than "Spirit"

I just bought a fish tank.....to watch the piranha's.....

Something to ponder. Do we all need to be "reformed"?
.
.

[Storm Crow]

I really like the idea of daily affirmations for the Spirituality Forum. I have a good one, an old Chinese proverb.

"There are many paths up the mountain, but the view from the top is the same."

[Dentyne]

I like it, I go there every once in a while and get a profound conversation out of it. It would be cool to see some more proverbs and deep quotes in the forum as well. I don't mind updating it or changing it as long as the changes come as upgrades. That means that we won't be restricted from posting what is already posted in the forum, but there may be a little more direction and organizaiton.

[Raton]

GreenMedicine, I appreciate that you are upset but you are doing nobody any good with this protest.

All of the issues 'behind the scenes' have been settled. Nothing is going to change.

You are upsetting other (uninvolved) members on an issue of Spirituality. I'm certain that is not the way you wish to go.

You are a noble man and care a great deal. You are always willing to defend an injustice. I love that in you. But this is not the time or the place.

Please?

[1JoeSky_IVXX]

The Spirituality Forum at Ty is a Ministry like no other. It is a multi-faith Chaplaincy. It plays a valuable role in the site. Families and friends must have someone to talk to when a loved one dies. This, unfortunately, will only happen more frequently as the site progresses. It is imperative to have a person in place who can deal with these issues.

What type of person would be the kind to "Deal" these issues? :confused:

[coco_artist]

Raton is perfect for the position due to his personal qualities. One need not be a Christian!:D

[northernwymon]

the "graffiti wall" (or whatever its going to be called)
should BE a part of the spirituality forum,
IF it will be to continue, and it seems that the majority of
the members who have voted/shared their thougths,
do want it to have the spirituality forum.

Yes, Raton is the man whom picked, to'help' me,
when was moderating that forum....

back in early Jan2006
(when asked for my membership to be deleted)
what got instead of a deletion, or was that a 'demotion"?
(is that what you call it,
when a Mod, is de-modded? ))
of 'Modship"....
(there has been (to me) no explenation as of yet, as why am not a spirituality forum mod anymore,
since am stilla member for some reason, but that is NOT what this post is about)

such as this forum:
http://www.treatingyourself.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=77
seems a little 'strange' to have, with nw's nick
as the moderator, when have NO moderator status.
(but luckily that is not for me to worry about)


that in intself clearly indicates,
(if am not deleted, as had initially asked)
that something is ;different; then what understand
(have no idea why am not a moderator of the spirituality forum-personally,
do not think that DID anything 'wrong', in the spirituality forum
(although it could very well be possible, and noone has come forward
and told me what did wrong there, to not be the Mod of it,
yet still have the membership).


but fortunately for me,
have 'gotten over' the realization that all of a sudden,
am not a Mod here in the sprituality forum anymore..
am so numb about everything regarding Ty
(two months of practice does help, for one to become numb slightly more so then prior-even when it is dealing with the (what is a cyberversion of) death of ones friends and family)
that truly do not care, if am a Mod, a member, the mascot or a target.

do not "lurk" here, IF come here,
so whatever folks want to 'dish out" oR leave out, and not contact me
via the avenues that had indicated they could reach me,
IF they so wished to....

currently now ocasionally either when someon asks me to come and have
a look at some particualr 'problem' (such as this one)
OR if am making a product evalution...
like will, when ever that december contests, GrowOp game arrives,
or the jacket that won several months ago....
just as, is the rules here.. once you win something, you post a review.
further more, will review, products that use, which are either from TY sponsors, or special situations -like Mr. Cookie's evaluation.
just sign in, and make a message of some type....
and think that perhaps made 4-5 posts since 'left' so to speak.



Have also "heard" of the discussions in the recent past, regarding this forum,
and its contents, and quite frankly,
as Unicorn mentioned in one particular post in this thead:
http://www.treatingyourself.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=10220&page=5

issues regarding this forum have run deep, and with a strong current.
greengirl said it well, in her anger post at the spirituality spirituality forum
(where tried to post this, but it seems that got a prompt indicating "this forum is not accepting posts" i imagine it is for everyone, not just me...
cannot possibly be THAT special... ;)
.

so, IF the pain to EVERYONE involved with that forum,
its contents (or lack there-of)
is this great
(as it clearly has been, have personally expereinced theh deepest depression that can recall due to some of these 'issues', and have watched at least two 'loved ones' be torn apart (in many ways)

due to either the existence of this forum,
its Modship (or lack thereof),
or contents of it.

that kind of action to me is not spiritually uplifting, and am glad it was not in
the spirtuality forum (or if itwas, it was quickly enough moved elsewhere,'
so the 'gloves came off' elsewhere, not in the sacred space ofsome,
the solitude of others, the place to ponder, wonder and question forothers...

and have no desire to come back here,
to see more of this pain being spread around farther and farther...
until we each can hold a piece of it....

IS that what we really want from a spirituality forum?

if not, then put out the ideas, of what you(TY members) want,
put forth your ideas of Mods,
(such as how many, which ones, whatever'comes to your nmind regarding this forum)

and of content. *what you want to see in this forum?
such as this 'graffiti wall' as ut us 'coined' for now....

do you want it?
and what else you want?
in a forum like spirituality.....

should there be sub-forums within spirituality *like in the grow fiorums,
and if you fold are still using vbulletin, having been admin of a vbulletin site for a few yrs, know that its 'simple as pie' to create subforums by any admin *and supermods, if they find the way to do it-and are permitted-don;t anymore remember what the supermods are 'allowed'/responsible for,
around here... without some "fancy footwork."

perhaps the 'graffiti wall' will be a sub0forum,
with a Mod who enjoys digging them up, posting them,
and truly enjoys them.

some people are very good at that,
*gettng good 'quotes'/inspiring ones

* perhaps a memorial subforum, where folks can come to remember the special days that remind them of their loved ones, whoh are not here any more.. and friends can join in, and be conforting etc.

* perhaps anyone who is interested in one particular 'type' of religion, or another, *such as the Christians (and all various 'sects'would be welcome) the Jews, the Muslims, the Buddhists, and who ever we have here...
luminous and wise, or dark as coal, and full of naivete...
all would be welcome... there to either learn about others spiritual thoughts,
or join in and ask 'reasonable' questions (not ones that seem to full of that "bulllsh*t factor" that hear of so often)..
about the others spiritual paths.

for would not understanding, and at least acceptance,
bring this forum into a good light,
and a poslitive place for all...
from the ones who like to read the quotes,
to the ones whoo wish to discuss their own spirutal paths
with others similarly (or differently, as long as the conversations are 'civil"(.

thus, perhaps many mods, would be good.
one mod could be the supermod of the whole forum,
and others, can be mods of each subforum..

its all just ideas,
not really of much necessity,
rather then letting you all know,
that IF you want this forum to continue,
not only will you have to come forward,And offer to help
in some practicall maner(like taking on a subforum)....

but leave at the doorstep of the spirital place,
pain and hurt...
come raw and exposed... (well, dont post the photos of the 'exposed' parts)


seriously,This forum IS important,
and as long as its causing pain for anyone,
there shoudl be some concrete actions,
to either get rid of it completely
(there can still be a forum for the quotes section, could be as simple as creating a 'inspiring quotations' forum, and the thread can be divided up by the person you are quoting (like Raton's quote in place place, was that of the 14th Dalai lama.
so perhaps a thread for Dalai Lama quptes
bible quotes, koran quotes, Jewish sacred text quotes..
Native spirutal quotes... what ever you find.. that is inspiring (heck some of those 'go for it with all your heart' can be good quotes...
even if they are from advertizing, and commercials.

nw-gone and out.... (and with MANY more words then the suggested 50)

the quote that chose to put here is:

:eek:

[Marco Renda]

NW you asked to be REMOVED as a moderator so I removed you.

Now as to you NOT doing anything wrong well you are WRONG there!

For some reason or another you DELETED THREADS which is AGAINST the TEAM TY RULES as ONLY ADMIN can DELETE THREADS

That said I would like to THANK YOU for your input in this matter

Take Care and Peace
Marco

[darnpj]

Hey All,

I have enjoyed the spirituality forum since i became a member and have on many occasions left replys to threads. As far as religion is concerned i dont recall having seen that much in the way of religous statements butwe must remember that for many there is an idea that religion and spirituality are one and the same?
Most ideas are for the idea that the spirit is a part of each individual and in truth it is ALL of us coming together and making others feel needed or perhaps trying to offer any ideas of what may show someone another way to cope with the pain and anger that is in some of us.
I have many many stories from my Gfather and his father and so on and i have many connections to others who are NOT religious in the way they speak! But we try tomake ones spirit feel lifted up and made to feel better about themselfs.And in doing so we hope to make them stronger and able to cope with this constant pain that in somecases is or feels like it is killing us.
I do not think that getting rid of the forum is the way to go but maybe we could have daily stories and then have members to make the way they see or understand the story into the actual parts of the forum i myself would be happy to help and will offer any help to the persons who are the mods for the spiritual forum. Remember we are all in need of some sort of inner help of one type or another? And lets try to leave the religous aspects out but this may be hard as for some of the membership iam sure that god or yahwaa or whatever name the Higher Power is called but they use this in the way they heal themselfs and it is not right to stiop people from being able to speak about these things . Maybe just have a day or night of the week in chat that these type of ideas may be discussed would work. Member that politics and religion are the only 2 things that cause friction in a crowd. My 2% Oha wasta

[oddjobs]

Well I voted to keep it simply because I,m in situation that requires me to have some uderstanding of differant spirituallalitys .My wife is a very religous and faithful christian while my oldest daughter is wicca ? Things get a little sticky at times . I believe in a higher being for sure anyway just soothing to read most posts. oj

[p-butter]

well i visit this forum from time to time... just to pass time and i dont often post... well i hardly post eitherway due to the condition of the online community at this time but i think this forum has many redeemin qualities.
i find this TY team of people posting to in general be some of the kinder people around and their views could be very constructive if presented properly....

the thing you run into is some of the personal nature of this subject... if you can keep people to topics and not let arguements from life carry over to these boards... maybe keep those arguements to PMs or to phone calls or maybe personal visits but not shared in this public forum where people are looking to gain and grow and share.
i see room for this forum to open people up in new ways rather then just closing them off and causing people to take offense.
anyway i wish you all luck.... i will visit till you get rid of it. i hope the characters of the people posting here continues to show in whatever direction you choose.

peace and blessings to you fine folks