Overwhelmed.

[Cecilie]

First of all, I didn't know where to put this, so I'm sorry if this post doesen't fit under "Philosophy".

I have recently been overwhelmed by all the talk about religion on TV, the internet and in life general really. And I can't help but feel down and alone in my views even though I know there's many of us, but still we are outnumbered and as long as I live we will be. I don't mean to sound melodramatic (Hope it's the right word. English is my second language.) but sometimes I just want to get away and don't think about religion at all. And it's partly my fault too 'cause I can't help but judge people who are religious. And I really don't want to. Do you ever feel overwhelmed as well? Do you have any tips?

Thanks anyway.

[elliebean]

I don't have any tips, but may I have your permission to use that post to throw in the face of anyone who tells me if I don't like all the pressure from religious groups here that I should "just move" somewhere else?

[G-Roll]

get a hobby? i cant say that i feel overwhelmed at all. so i have no true tips or advice.

hang in there....

VOTE FOR PEDRO!! he will build you a cake.

[joeactor]

... I felt that way during the whole "Intelligent Design" trial a while back.

Best to take a step back and get some perspective.
Hobbies are good.  Pick something else to spend your focus and energy on...

And, hey, if the Rapture comes, we won't be outnumbered anymore!
... of course, that may cause a few conversions ;-)

[hvargas]

At one time the majority accepted the Earth as the center of the universe and anyone who differ was in a very low minority if not alone in its views. It was also dangerous to post different. I tell you this you are the master of your own realities and as that master its your desicions that counts and not others. You participate in the world as a human person and as an existence in the whole of existence. What you contribute to existence is either your good nature or bad nature but whichever only your name will be written on your tomstone. I tell some people " I don't care much what you say or think about me cause when I die you won't be there ". Take pride in yourself and what you are to yourself and the good of it will spread to those around you.

[pinkocommie]

When I get overwhelmed, I crochet stuff and watch Futurama.  

[happynewyear]

Try meditation or Tai Chi or spring forest Qigong.
Get out in nature forests or the ocean are best.
Take up cycling or hill climbing.
"Don't let it bring you down, it's only castles burning, find someone who's turning and you will come around."

[LoneMateria]

A hobby is fine but see if you can find a local secular group or atheist group and go to a meeting or two.  Maybe if you hang around some like minded people you won't have those feelings.  Otherwise i'd recommend maybe learning something new like another language, or take art classes and make paintings or build small robots or something.  Find something that captivates your attention and pursue it.  I was fortunate enough to always have friends who were atheists so I never had these feelings ... not to try and make you feel more alone  or anything  Ironically the only friend I really hang out with is a Young Earth Creationist.  Maybe you need to find a Christian who you can debate a bit ... who knows you might deconvert someone ... maybe ^_^

[Cecilie]

Thanks everyone. I think it's extra hard 'cause I am currently taking a year off school and I don't have a lot to do during the day. I will definitely try to take up some kind of hobby.

[Sophus]

Every once in a while the news media in general makes me feel this way. Turn off your TV. Smash your TV. Make things, dream things, do anything to free yourself from the garbage. You can't change the world so might as well focus on changing your life.

[dogsmycopilot]

Do you ever feel overwhelmed as well? Do you have any tips?

Occasionally. By philosophy I am satanist. That has helped. I embrace life in all it's colors and tones. If I find myself overwhelmed I simply ask myself which of the seven "sins" I have failed to partake in that has allowed me to feel so run down. Often it is sloth- I really don't get enough rest at times. But one thing I read (although I hear it's from a movie really) that has helped me through the years is that no matter what we do, no matter the good or the bad, in a thousand years who will care? That's quite empowering. So, do your best or take a nap- but for goodness sakes do what you need to to feel joy.

[mama_ape]

Watching Ricky Gervais always warms my cockels.

[dogsmycopilot]

Watching Ricky Gervais always warms my cockels.

Ha! He is a doll, isn't he!

[theblasphemousbear]

Best to take a step back and get some perspective.

That's the advice I'd give. Just reaffirm, in your head, your own beliefs.
I personally find it refreshing to look at some pro-religious arguments (wherever I can find them) and then come up with logical arguments to them. This not only makes me feel better, but I also can learn some good debate strategies.
That's just me, though.

watch Futurama.

Also good advice!

[Heathen's Guide]

I always find it entertaining that people don't recognize Tai Chi and Qigong as religions.  They are.  They're not patriarchal Yahweh cults like those we see in the west, but they still require faith in unknowns, and belief in things that are not provable.  Substituting these for western religions is really a lateral move, not a move away from religion.

Try meditation or Tai Chi or spring forest Qigong.
Get out in nature forests or the ocean are best.
Take up cycling or hill climbing.
"Don't let it bring you down, it's only castles burning, find someone who's turning and you will come around."