In the spirit of using Merc Retros for a positive purpose...how do you feel about this forum lately?

[BlueIris]

I'm hoping that our regulars, our lurkers, and our new contributers will all share their thoughts.

What are your thoughts about the state of this forum? Do you have issues with the way it is functioning/not functioning? Are you particularly thankful for any aspects of this group? Has it helped you in any specific, notable ways?

My issue: I feel that many who used to contribute frequently here are no longer doing so. That could be just the way it's going to go, as so many here are struggling economically and spiritually outside of the site, and may not have the time or energy to put in what we used to. Or it could be for other reasons (lingering resentments left over from the primaries, personal changes as the result of the Ascension process, etc.).

Things in this forum I am thankful for: For the most part, I feel that the comments I post here, especially my questions, are addressed respectfully. Most of our posters have helpful or useful information to contribute to my "what's going on with this?" threads.

I am also grateful to the gifted healers here who have shared their abilities with me. I have seen significant improvements in both emotional and physical health because of their generosity.

Finally, I'm happy we have some newer screen names in here. It's nice to see increasing interest in the topics we discuss.

Anyone else?

[katty]

1. I've been enjoying it over here for awhile-some very interesting

posts, diverse, passionate, and a general will to good, curiousity about the soul. :)

[OneGrassRoot]

2. I check in here frequently, yet don't post often...

for various reasons.

But I am profoundly grateful for the "space," and for those who anchor this space. When I have had a question, I've been amazed to have it answered so quickly and thoughtfully.

All in all, I am simply grateful.

:)

[hermetic]

3. I come here every day

and read, follow links, and appreciate the sense of calm that certain posters here always instill in me.

I don't post much anywhere right now. Busy with the fall harvest, preparing for winter, and really just not being "in the mood" to post anything.

I am always happy to see a new participant here; they bring new insights, links, etc. I am extremely grateful for this group's existence.

Peace.

[I Have A Dream]

4. This forum is my spiritual home.

I've said it here before, but I think that I was brought to DU to find this forum. I feel as though there's important work being done here which makes a real difference in the world.

I truly love the people in this group -- both people who've been around since I first started visiting here and the new people who are putting fresh energy into the group. I've made some amazing friends who care about me as a person; I feel less alone in the world.

Although I haven't been able to post as often as I have in the past because I'm so busy at work, I still check in many times throughout the day. Doing so keeps me grounded.

There is a difference in the group, but I think that it's just something that happens over time, and I don't see the difference as being better or worse. Rather than trying to keep it exactly the same just because I'm comfortable with the way it was, I am going with the flow and taking joy out of this new forum just as I did from the way that it was before.

Thank you all for being in my life and for being my friends -- you are a gift from the Universe to me. :loveya:

:grouphug:

[midnight]

14. Such a wonderful way to describe this place. I agree.

[Callie McAllie]

5. I'm really glad you asked this question

I HAVE been feeling like this site is somewhat different than it was when I first started posting, but I thought it was just me! You know, you find something like this, and it's so exciting at first, and you check it every day, and you work up the nerve to finally post a comment, or even start a thread, and then you're posting all the time...but after a while, the newness wears off, you skip a day or two, you stop reading every thread, you stop posting so much...it just doesn't have the same thrill, the same feeling of excitement to it.

Like you said, maybe it's the shifting energy, the politics, the economy, or maybe the overwhelming feeling I have that we are in financial armegeddon (did I spell that right?).

Just by asking the question though, Blue Iris, you have affirmed all that is right and good about this site! I am re-energized, recommitted, and just absolutely grateful that this quiet little network of good thoughtful caring people exists!

:grouphug:

[stellanoir]

6. I must admit I'm lurking more than posting of late and have been a bit remiss

in doing so.

There are many I've been compelled to whom I fully intended to respond.

Yet I'm in the midst of a complete and utter cleaning frenzy for the first time in years.

That, coupled with one of my 'puters having a more than a little compromised keyboard, has been impeding my frequency of posting.

Mea Culpa.

Still, I'm thrilled to see all the new posters and offer them a heartfelt welcome.

Thanks for this BI.

It's always nice to regroup.

:loveya:

[mother earth]

7. I think this group encourages everyone to be more and to

appreciate the light and even the dark side...there have been a few times that little things have cropped up, but on the whole I think it's a forgiving and validating experience. We wouldn't know the beauty of the light, if we never experienced the darkness, right?

What I appreciate the most is the ability to stamp out fear, to recognize it and to offer up strength and encouragement to replace it.

What amazes me, is that in all the light that congregates here, it's a political gathering, a revolutionary spirit that we all have in common. I found DU in 2004, during the Kerry concession, it has never ceased to be a source of strength. I thank you all.

[rosesaylavee]

8. I love this forum

I don't post as much as I should but read thru it almost every day if not several times a week. Overall tho, I have not been spending as much time on DU the last several months because it makes me pretty tense.

I am very grateful for this group here and will try to contribute more. Thanks for the reminder!

[LWolf]

9. It's still a positive place.

I don't spend as much time as I used to. Partly because changes in my life, partly because of changes in the forum. I don't see that as positive or negative, just a product of evolution.

Partly because I miss many of the people who helped make this place a sanctuary for me in the "beginning."

Partly because I don't have any learning or understanding of astrology; while I'm interested, I don't always "get" what those discussions are about.

Partly because of the growth of the board; it's bigger and moves faster, leaving behind the feel of a small community that is more comfortable.

Mostly because of changes in my own life. I'm undergoing another large shift even as I type; we'll see where this one leads me.

:hi:

[Celebration]

10. Can't begin to tell people all that I have learned here

And from posters that I haven't seen in a long time........

It is always amazing to me when something "clicks"--it may not happen often, but when it does, a whole new stream of information and exploratation ensues.

I have a "transformation" take on things. In general we don't make incremental changes that build on each other, but our foundation is really a set of transformations.

Reading and participating in this forum facilitates that process. We are all in the process of "becoming."

I love all the different personalities here. It is very obvious that each person here is truly unique.

[Dora]

11. I have so much to learn.

I am here daily. I frequently begin to post, but then choose not to. I don't know whether it's because I'm phobic or because I'm no expert. The wisdom and myriad realities I encounter here have humbled me. I've been led to the most life-altering, mind-changing ideas and ways of thought, and I am here every day feeling grateful and happy that I have this space I can rely on for quiet, advice, and support.

I also have been posting less from work. :)

[WhiteTara]

12. after reading LBN, I head over here

I have found the astrological info to be just superb. THe comments are thoughtful and I feel comfortable here (reading...I don't post often) Thanks for everything you do BlueIris to make this such a great forum.

[midnight]

13. I agree with your assessment of questions being adressed

with more respect in this forum. Also, I too wish some who have not posted in a while would post again.

[Dover]

15. I can't imagine DU without this forum...

ASAH is always changing and evolving...it has a life of its own. It's inevitable that members come and go...the ebb and flow of the tides. I suppose this year the forum has felt more transient than usual, and that is bound to have an impact on our sense of community. Perhaps we're not as cohesive a 'family' which may well be a reflection of larger changes...life calling us to focus elsewhere.
However, the essence of this forum seems to be a commitment to growing our consciousness and supporting spiritual growth for our individual paths. I realize some come for other reasons, but I think that is at least a primary thread that runs through the life of this forum and weaves it together with some underlying cohesiveness even in the absence of other more tangible things.
I am grateful to those who have and do bring a grounding and welcoming spirit that provides what is to me the equivalent of a warm meal on a cold blistery day...always kept warm on the stove.

This forum feels like an internal space, a place for processing, sharing, learning, resting, gestating, healing...and is for me an essential part of my DU experience. It's like stepping off a busy street into a small chapel or quiet garden where a few others have gathered as well. ASAH brings a generous nurturing spirit to DU, and the door is always open. In offering our individual gifts and sharing with one another we each bring alms to maintain and enliven that spirit and show our gratitude.

[SheilaT]

16. I like this place.

I like it that people can post freely about things that can't be said elsewhere on DU, at least not without being treated very badly.

In the beginning we had those who would come over here and be disruptive, but they just ignore us, as they should.

I love the astrological stuff in particular, and I'm sorry Nancy Waterman doesn't post here any more, although I check in with her blog regularly.

[Desertrose]

17. I am very happy and grateful to see this forum so alive & well!!!

As one who remembers well the "old days" when there was not this safe space, this sanctuary, here on DU, it makes my heart full to see so many who come here and truly value this sacred space.(It was one of the main reasons a few of us fought so hard to create this forum...and believe me it was touch and go there for awhile!)


I, too, have been remiss posting here- mostly due to just being busy in my life & my art- which is a GOOD thing.:) I do miss seeing some of the "oldtime posters" but keep in touch with some. This place is where I met a lot of wonderful friends....my sisters & brothers. Change is just the way life is...we are the ones who choose to make of it what we will.....



It truly lifts my spirits to pop in here and see so many new names and such wonderful posts and just feel the good vibes :grouphug:

:loveya::hug: DR

:hi::loveya: Hey LWolf & Dover :hi::hug: & Stella :hi::grouphug:

[Dover]

18. Desertrose! Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes!!

So very good to see you and happy at the thought of you in such a creative space.

Oh...memories. The DU pioneers & sisterhood having to do battle in the Meeting Room just to have
a regular conversation. Perhaps more fun in restrospect than in reality...lol!

Yes I miss what we had. And this little reunion seems fitting on the cusp of the end of the
Bush years. We survived and even had some fun and grew and formed a wonderful ecclectic little
community.


Comforting to know you're still hovering about DU and ASAH. LWolf too!
Hope you'll post a thought every now and then, or a picture of your work, etc. :loveya:

:grouphug:

[dbt]

19. Well, HEY SISTER!!!

Imagine seeing YOU here again in such a period of turmoil! :evilgrin: If a Hillbilly ever needed some confirmation that maybe things ain't in the express lane to hell, this will sure do!

Now, what about this web bot 10/7 bidness?

:loveya:
dbt

[Mojorabbit]

20. I come here to ground

out especially when it gets heated on the rest of the board. It is so soothing in this forum.

[D-Lee]

21. Newbie grateful for this thread

This mercury retrograde has been powerful, indeed, with many impacts in my personal life on communications in particular (multiple computer breakdowns and modem issues). I believe things will be significantly improved at the end of this clearing out, which seems to be a powerful broom sweeping away many cobwebs.

Just discovered this thread and it is so very nice to see real comments of substance responding to lead posts.

DU is a terrific source of information and humor. Given the rightward lean of most media, DU meets my need for more rational information with REAL balance. I see some faint indications that the national media sources are beginning to realize that their unbalanced and unthinking coverage has obscured their assessment of national problems -- and that ignoring more populist positions has not been a service to the nation. It would be a delight if this mercury retrograde had an positive impact on the national media, freeing them to some degree from the ultra-conservative mud hole. We shall see ... I have some hopes in this direction because of the look of shock you can see in the back of the eyes of the over-represented conservative commentators on television.

As to comments about DU, I am sufficiently old fashioned to find some of the verbiage on other threads tasteless and showing a lack of mastery and use of the rich resources of the English language. There are just so many more amusing and forceful ways to say things than to resort to a small range of four-letter words ...

[I Have A Dream]

23. Welcome to the group, D-Lee!

:hi:

[LiberalEsto]

22. I view this as a safe haven

with kind and supportive people from many backgrounds.

My knowledge of astrology is miniscule. So is my knowledge of alternative healing, except for the use of a few herbs. There is so much to learn from everyone here!

Spiritually I am a pagan. I wish the pagan forum was active and supportive like this one, but people rarely post on it for some reason.

[BlueIris]

24. Kick.