What they say about fulfillment

[Deja Q]

They say "Food will keep you fulfilled." I do not find this to be true. I am busy looking at nutrient content, but that is not fulfillment.

They say "A job will keep you fulfilled." I do not find this to be true. There is no stability, nor loyalty, and people are out for themselves.

They say "material things will keep you fulfilled." I do not find this to be true. I have lots of possessions. And I cannot get rid of them.

They say "Relationships will keep you fulfilled." I have yet been able to confirm this as true.

They say "spirituality will keep you fulfilled." I do not find this to be true; I've read up on it and most people aren't doing what it's saying to do.

They say "Take this drug and you will be fulfilled." Well, I'm happier but I ain't fulfilled. There's a difference. :D

What keeps you fulfilled, that is not in the aforementioned criteria?

[billyskank]

1. I'll let you in on a secret

They say "spirituality will keep you fulfilled." I do not find this to be true; I've read up on it and most people aren't doing what it's saying to do.

Most people who claim to be into spirituality are merely trying to improve their material lives in some way. Positive thinking, better self-esteem, all things to do with material life.

People who are really into spirituality are actively engaged in the process of ending their material lives. They don't want to improve them. They don't want them. Very few people are doing this.

[Deja Q]

2. Material = materialism. I should have said corporealism;

"corporeal" = pertaining to the physical body.

[billyskank]

3. There's no real distinction there

It doesn't really matter whether it's 'hard' comforts like TVs, iPods and fancy apartments, or 'soft' comforts like friends, family and meaningful relationships. It's all material - the only difference is in the degree of subtlety/grossness.

[u4ic]

4. I have to deal with relatives like that

(your first paragraph) they read all about reincarnation and New Age philosophy, then rant about foreigners (should have heard the Mountie turban debate), drive trucks/SUV's and shop at Wal Mart.

One makes a crapload of money - and it all goes to material stuff, for herself. Sitting at the manicurist, discussing the latest metaphysical bestseller. :eyes: (don't give to charity, or the food bank, or who is in need)

They talk it, but don't live it.

I do think good self esteem is essential, the service/giving to others then comes out of a wellspring of wholeness, rather than "I'll do this and that so they'll like me". We probably differ in our philosophies that way, and that's ok. :hi:

[Deja Q]

5. I do things because I want to.

The few times I tried to make somebody like me, it did not work.

I will always want people to like me. But I do not go out of my way to be a brown-noser. I either get along or I don't.

I just need to learn to open up more.

[u4ic]

6. Sounds like you are being

true to yourself, Toad; sometimes it's the most difficult road. Always the best and most fulfilling in the end. There's nothing as awful as selling your soul, or losing yourself, for someone else. :hug: