Spirituality, double-speak, group dynamics and the after-life
It is always interesting to meet new people and share different views. In every group there are always different people holding different roles. The attention seeker, the leader, the shy one, the humble one, the extrovert, etc etc : the combination of different personalities makes a group discussion always meaningful and in itself is the very manifestation of civility and shows unity in the form of having a common goal.
All I know is that to hold one’s own, one must be sincere and speak one’s mind after deep consideration. Among one’s peers especially the middle aged, the trivia and gossip just won’t hold water. Anyway I learned I know very little or almost nothing. 
This in itself ought to be a wake-up call for me but on the other hand, I got to admit it is a positive sign too that I recognize the truth and that I shouldn’t assume too much. I also learned it is how we react to circumstances that is a measure of the worth of an individual.
A lot of talk was focused on the after-life. Almost all major philosophies, religions and beliefs give some thought to the after life. The things we do today or the things our ancestors did having some repercussions on what is going to happen in the after life or what is already manifest in our present life.
I discovered tonight I am not too concerned about the after life. ‘Idiot, fool’, some of you might think. I am just worried about today and my immediate future on earth. My philosophy in life is to try to make the world a better place for everybody within the constraints of the simple, limited life style I lead and the people I come into contact with.
My parents didn’t lead a long life so I don’t expect to lead a long life either. Perhaps it is a hereditary trait. But i know when the time comes, I will be glad to leave this world of ours. I am a little tired too anyway . However one condition I set is that I must leave my loved ones well-provided for.
Religion is an outdated concept? I don’t think so. It will always be relevant wherever there are human beings and the need to believe in a higher being.
Something for us all to reflect upon :
When all kinds of trials crowd into your lives don’t resent them as intruders but welcome them as friends. Realize that they come to test your faith and produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed and you become people of mature character, people of integrity , with no weak spots.
James 1:2-4
Amazing personal stuff, Bengbeng. I wonder what makes you think about death. Don’t think so much about this… take life the way it comes. Who has seen the tomorrow??
i dont think of death as a sombre thingy..it is a celebration of life as there is continuity
it is also about learning to let go 
Sometimes we feel so small and insignificant and are totally helpless against the troubles that plague us daily. It’s not religion but faith & belief in something bigger than ourselves that gives us the strength and tenacity to keep going and keep our sanity intact.
And yes, it’s what we think and do, and the results and the effects upon everyone else around us that’s important to all, here and now. Too much preoccupation in preparation for the hereafter makes no sense. When we go we take nothing with us. But we leave an impression for those who stay behind. I think it’s important that we leave one that everyone would want to emulate.
Don’t have the impression that you will live a short life. Nowadays we are equipped with better knowledge to take care of ourselves, and medicine has improved.
I tend to be like you, not thinking too much of the afterlife. I think my life here has a purpose, and they ‘journey’ is important too.
If I could only find my purpose…
i tend to think of it as a journey but as to the purpose i am still hazy about it. there is still so much to learn n to unlearn