Need Help finding something to believe in
 

Okay, for starters i'm an atheist. I think that life is pretty meaningless and when you die, thats it, you're dead. Today i talked to my shrink about it for a while. She said that i need to find something to believe in (she mentioned that god was obv not the answer for me), so i could shake deep depression. When i prodded her on what to believe, she said that she couldn't tell me, that i'd have to figure it out for myself and ask others what they believe in.

So SMP, what i'm asking is, what do you believe in? If you're an atheist (which i'm fairly certain a large portion of you are), how do you cope with the emptiness of life?

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

Global warming appears to work for a lot of people.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
how do you cope with the emptiness of life?

[/ QUOTE ]
What emptiness of life?

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
when there's nothing left to believe in, believe in hope.

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
how do you cope with the emptiness of life?

[/ QUOTE ]

Poker. Exercise helps too.

pokervintage

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

love of friends
love of family
love of intellectual pursuits
love of bad movies
love of creating
love of competition
love of sexuality

things that have kept me occupied:
I studied and performed improv theater for years. Poker as a game and an intellectual pursuit. I have a wife and a newborn child which provides me happiness and distraction for years to come. I read a lot of books. I used to enjoy writing. I may write again.

keep yourself busy in pursuit of things you find interesting and I beleive (unless you're depressed due to medical reasons) that you won't be depressed.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
Okay, for starters i'm an atheist. I think that life is pretty meaningless and when you die, thats it, you're dead.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's a hard philosophical position to hold. When you die, you are not dead. Getting that cleared up in your head helps.

[ QUOTE ]
how do you cope with the emptiness of life?

[/ QUOTE ]

There are days I wish it were empty. I'm wallowing in friends, family, community, all the stuff that matters.

If you want to work to fulfill some powerful entities cause and serve It's long term goals and think that adds something to your life, get a job at microsoft.

luckyme

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

Why do you need meaning? If you enjoy life then why do you need there to be some greater purpose?

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
Why do you need meaning? If you enjoy life then why do you need there to be some greater purpose?

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey. I'm the guy arguing it's a myth.
A outsiders 'greater purpose' doesn't add meaning or mustard.

luckyme

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

Sorry my post was meant for OP.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
how do you cope with the emptiness of life?

[/ QUOTE ]
Kind of a leap in logic to get to this question. You started out by saying that *you* think life is meaningless. Should be obvious that not everyone thinks like you.

Disbelieving in God does not automatically lead one to the conclusion that life is empty or depressing. We can have amazing and beautiful experiences while we are alive in this universe regardless of what our religious beliefs are. You sound depressed to me. I don't know that a belief in something is going to be the answer. How about believing in living an enjoyable life?

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
how do you cope with the emptiness of life?

[/ QUOTE ]

Discussing on internet forums obv. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

You can believe in the inevitability of any post you make on SMP being greeted with cryptic ego induced ducy-type replies like the one below. A style popularized by the Forum's founder.

[ QUOTE ]
luckyme -
When you die, you are not dead. Getting that cleared up in your head helps.


[/ QUOTE ]

PairTheBoard

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
Okay, for starters i'm an atheist. I think that life is pretty meaningless and when you die, thats it, you're dead. Today i talked to my shrink about it for a while. She said that i need to find something to believe in (she mentioned that god was obv not the answer for me), so i could shake deep depression. When i prodded her on what to believe, she said that she couldn't tell me, that i'd have to figure it out for myself and ask others what they believe in.

So SMP, what i'm asking is, what do you believe in? If you're an atheist (which i'm fairly certain a large portion of you are), how do you cope with the emptiness of life?

[/ QUOTE ]


I have exactly what you need.

Look for this:

Joseph Campbell - The Hero's Journey
Joseph Campbell - The Power of Myth
Joseph Campbell - Mythos

And,

http://www.bswa.org/audio/podcast/AjahnBrahm.rss.php (start at the bottom, those are the oldest)

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

I suspect your shrink has it backwards; you find life meaningless because you are depressed, rather than being depressed because life seems meaningless.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

I used to get enjoyment out of a lot of things (poker, sports, friends, going out and just getting drunk), now it's just like i'm killing time, waiting for it all to end. I also try to sleep as much as possible. When you are asleep you may not be happy, but you also aren't unhappy.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
I suspect your shrink has it backwards; you find life meaningless because you are depressed, rather than being depressed because life seems meaningless.

[/ QUOTE ]
well, she thinks it' s a bit of both.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
how do you cope with the emptiness of life?

[/ QUOTE ]
Kind of a leap in logic to get to this question. You started out by saying that *you* think life is meaningless. Should be obvious that not everyone thinks like you.



[/ QUOTE ]
sorry i thought i made that clear in my OP (the fact that not everyone thinks like me, obv).

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
Why do you need meaning? If you enjoy life then why do you need there to be some greater purpose?

[/ QUOTE ]
if theres meaning there's something to strive for, something to work to achieve. As of now everything i do is just to kill time, hoping i get hit by a bus or something so it can all end.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
when there's nothing left to believe in, believe in hope.

[/ QUOTE ]

[/ QUOTE ]
i think this is part of my problem. I can't find any hope.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
how do you cope with the emptiness of life?

[/ QUOTE ]
What emptiness of life?

[/ QUOTE ]
the fact that you just do your time, work hard, achieve little, and then curl up to die alone?

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Why do you need meaning? If you enjoy life then why do you need there to be some greater purpose?

[/ QUOTE ]
if theres meaning there's something to strive for, something to work to achieve. As of now everything i do is just to kill time, hoping i get hit by a bus or something so it can all end.

[/ QUOTE ]

Getting laid, having fun. Or are you looking for something more grand?

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Why do you need meaning? If you enjoy life then why do you need there to be some greater purpose?

[/ QUOTE ]
if theres meaning there's something to strive for, something to work to achieve. As of now everything i do is just to kill time, hoping i get hit by a bus or something so it can all end.

[/ QUOTE ]

Getting laid, having fun. Or are you looking for something more grand?

[/ QUOTE ]
nothing seems to interest me anymore. Thats mostly my problem. I hate to sound all emo and [censored], but i just feel empty.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

Get some exercise. Endorphins are good for you and will make you happy.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
You can believe in the inevitability of any post you make on SMP being greeted with cryptic ego induced ducy-type replies like the one below. A style popularized by the Forum's founder.

[/ QUOTE ]

PTB! Where you been sir?

[ QUOTE ]
I used to get enjoyment out of a lot of things (poker, sports, friends, going out and just getting drunk), now it's just like i'm killing time, waiting for it all to end. I also try to sleep as much as possible. When you are asleep you may not be happy, but you also aren't unhappy.

[/ QUOTE ]

Read All The King's Men. I think that book is one of the most profound explorations of apathy that exists in the whole universe.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

Ha, try getting a girlfriend! Also, how about helping out friends and family, volunteering, teaching, exercising, and generally all the other good stuff that make people generally feel good.

You don't need to find something to believe in, you need to find something to do. You're just bored most likely, and don't know what to do with your life.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
PTB! Where you been sir?


[/ QUOTE ]

Discovering the joys of Tantra. Exploring Pujas.

PTB

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
PTB! Where you been sir?


[/ QUOTE ]

Discovering the joys of Tantra. Exploring Pujas.

PTB

[/ QUOTE ]

Nice, I read the Wiki on Puja and they look intriguing. So many rich meditative traditions out there...so little time.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

In all honesty sounds like you only need two things.

1. Exercise: Believe me, exercise is the true great depression fighter

2. Something you can be confident about: This is much different than meaning, but more important to the individual. you need something that will build your self esteem. Of course life is meaningless, if you think your worthless. Basically you need to find a hobby, not meaning

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
PTB! Where you been sir?


[/ QUOTE ]

Discovering the joys of Tantra. Exploring Pujas.

PTB

[/ QUOTE ]

Nice, I read the Wiki on Puja and they look intriguing. So many rich meditative traditions out there...so little time.

[/ QUOTE ]

Tantric Puja

PairTheBoard

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
In all honesty sounds like you only need two things.

1. Exercise: Believe me, exercise is the true great depression fighter

2. Something you can be confident about: This is much different than meaning, but more important to the individual. you need something that will build your self esteem. Of course life is meaningless, if you think your worthless. Basically you need to find a hobby, not meaning

[/ QUOTE ]
i dunno...it's not like i don't have hobbies. I play poker, i play hockey once or twice a week, I go out with friends (albeit far less than i used to), i play pool....All stuff that used to matter to me. Now it just doesn't. Do you see why "getting a hobby" just doesn't seem to be it for me?

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
In all honesty sounds like you only need two things.

1. Exercise: Believe me, exercise is the true great depression fighter

2. Something you can be confident about: This is much different than meaning, but more important to the individual. you need something that will build your self esteem. Of course life is meaningless, if you think your worthless. Basically you need to find a hobby, not meaning

[/ QUOTE ]
i dunno...it's not like i don't have hobbies. I play poker, i play hockey once or twice a week, I go out with friends (albeit far less than i used to), i play pool....All stuff that used to matter to me. Now it just doesn't. Do you see why "getting a hobby" just doesn't seem to be it for me?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'.m sorry the use of the word "hobby" was a little loose. To put it in perspective, do you think you are a really good hockey player, do you have any goals related to hockey?
What about poker, are you excelling, do you believe that one day, you could win a gold bracelate, possibly next year?

This is one I mean by hobby, you need something in your life worth working for, that gives something back for the energy you put in. Not just the joy of doing it, but the possibility of a better tomorrow.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

Married people tend to be happier. On average.
Unfortunately one can't just walk down to the store and purchase an intimate relationship. But it could be something to work towards.

Once I finish school I'm going to pursue a career in non-profit work, because while the pay isn't high I think I'd be happier feeling like my work had some meaning to it. You could consider volunteering for a charity or cause. You may not feel strongly about any such things at the moment, but with a little research I'm sure you could fire yourself up a bit. Plus you'd meet new people and it may be the case that your current social relationships aren't wholly satisfactory.

Pay attention to diet and exercise. If everything fails you could try medication.

It doesn't sound to me like a hobby is what you need. I mean if something like poker is all you live for then the losses/downswings will really hit you hard. I generally don't allow myself to play when I'm depressed.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
In all honesty sounds like you only need two things.

1. Exercise: Believe me, exercise is the true great depression fighter

2. Something you can be confident about: This is much different than meaning, but more important to the individual. you need something that will build your self esteem. Of course life is meaningless, if you think your worthless. Basically you need to find a hobby, not meaning

[/ QUOTE ]
i dunno...it's not like i don't have hobbies. I play poker, i play hockey once or twice a week, I go out with friends (albeit far less than i used to), i play pool....All stuff that used to matter to me. Now it just doesn't. Do you see why "getting a hobby" just doesn't seem to be it for me?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'.m sorry the use of the word "hobby" was a little loose. To put it in perspective, do you think you are a really good hockey player, do you have any goals related to hockey?
What about poker, are you excelling, do you believe that one day, you could win a gold bracelate, possibly next year?

This is one I mean by hobby, you need something in your life worth working for, that gives something back for the energy you put in. Not just the joy of doing it, but the possibility of a better tomorrow.

[/ QUOTE ]
well i'm not going to be a recognized poker player ever, but i make okay money (more than i could with any job at the moment). I just play hockey for "fun", it always used to be fun but now it just kills a few hours.

Volunteering is something i plan to look into. I like watching shows like Intervention and shows that focus on Autistic children. Not sure if it's that i like feeling sorry for people, or if i feel like i'm somehow better than the people showcased...maybe a bit of both? [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

We desire perfect happiness but can never attain to it in this life. Trying to attain it often causes much grief. Why have the desire without the fulfillment? Why willfully strive for things that cannot be reached? You should believe in getting your money back from the psychiatrist. Then ask the God you don't believe in to give you the grace of divine wisdom if he exists.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]

So SMP, what i'm asking is, what do you believe in? If you're an atheist (which i'm fairly certain a large portion of you are), how do you cope with the emptiness of life?

[/ QUOTE ]


I believe in a good sandwich.








But if you need more, work out. Everyone is right about that, exhausted endorphined people don't have time to be depressed.

Don't just post in a forum and hope for a magic cure. Wake up tomorrow and take a 5 mile walk if you can't run. IF you can run get your heart rate up and keep it up for 20 minutes.

Personally I would consider a dog too. I tend to find myself far more functional when something depends on me. Plus it'll help with the exercise.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

try to [censored] as many women as possible. This is the ultimate goal in life.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
I just play hockey for "fun", it always used to be fun but now it just kills a few hours.


[/ QUOTE ]

Wow dude. This feels like it came right out of subconscious. I feel the same way. Do something just for the sake that there isn’t anything else to do anyways, just to waste time.

I’m guessing you are an ex-Christian? I am and have felt that emptiness. It’s so easy to be happy with your life when you feel you are blessed and will live forever in a utopia in the sky with all your family and friends as well as an all loving God. Once logic points you away from that being reality you suddenly lost that happiness.

I think what me and you need to do is find out what we really want in life. After all life is short, at least compared to eternity. We must find something we truly love. But as for me I haven’t found that yet. In the meantime I have made good meaningful relationships with a few friends that have really helped at least cut down on the emptiness.

Perhaps people itself replaces the emptiness. The warmth of a women. The loyalty and trustworthiness of a close friend. The simple act of a good deed/charity. The simple enjoyment of recreational interaction with other members of the human race.

The short life thing is a catch 22. Yeah, it sucks we only get a limited time of life, but that makes it that much more important to go out enjoy what we only have for a limited time! So we really need to stop posting on message boards and go out and find what we really truly enjoy and love about life before it passes us by! I bet if Biggie could speak right now he’d say he wishes he could come back to life and do what he loves.

Hope this helped, I’m not a great writer and in general I don’t think I’m to great at getting a message across.

Good luck

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

[ QUOTE ]
Okay, for starters i'm an atheist. I think that life is pretty meaningless and when you die, thats it, you're dead. Today i talked to my shrink about it for a while. She said that i need to find something to believe in (she mentioned that god was obv not the answer for me), so i could shake deep depression. When i prodded her on what to believe, she said that she couldn't tell me, that i'd have to figure it out for myself and ask others what they believe in.

So SMP, what i'm asking is, what do you believe in? If you're an atheist (which i'm fairly certain a large portion of you are), how do you cope with the emptiness of life?

[/ QUOTE ]
just distract yourself like everyone else does...

photography, travel, surfing, charity, science, or a number of other hobbies.

its not like you are going to stumble upon meaning one day, its all just a bunch of distractions, might as well make the most of it.

Re: Need Help finding something to believe in
 

Find a way to help people who need it. Volunteer, set up a project, or just wander around looking for ways to make other people happier. And remember, it's a slow process.