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I am old. I believe in reincarnation. I think people contract to attend "Earth School" to learn specific things that will evolve their souls. In other words, they need certain life experiences to broaden and deepen themselves.
I can't imagine WHY I contracted to come here. In reviewing my life, I have done some really dumb things (which I have subsequently learned were dumb, but they are so mundane, I don't think it would really matter if I learned the particular things or not - I could have read a book and learned the particular things I was dumb about instead of wasting a lifetime to learn them).
I have also helped a lot of people (like put time, effort and money towards their well-being) - so I "performed good deeds" - I am not sure how to evaluate those deeds - they didn't "help" me (other than to make me more compassionate in the moment - not long term, though).
I just don't feel in my old age I am a "better" person than I was when I was five years old.
Obviously, you did not have to comment. From a strictly psychological viewpoint, I would say your ego got the best of you
Since this is a religion and spirituality forum, I am hoping some people who believe in reincarnation might have some useful perspectives to share.
My disposition is such that I could exchange insults but, actually, I was thinking that possibly nobody might respond to your message and I just wanted to let you know somebody read it and cared enough to reply.
Take that for what you think it's worth
I am old. I believe in reincarnation. I think people contract to attend "Earth School" to learn specific things that will evolve their souls. In other words, they need certain life experiences to broaden and deepen themselves.
I can't imagine WHY I contracted to come here. In reviewing my life, I have done some really dumb things (which I have subsequently learned were dumb, but they are so mundane, I don't think it would really matter if I learned the particular things or not - I could have read a book and learned the particular things I was dumb about instead of wasting a lifetime to learn them).
I have also helped a lot of people (like put time, effort and money towards their well-being) - so I "performed good deeds" - I am not sure how to evaluate those deeds - they didn't "help" me (other than to make me more compassionate in the moment - not long term, though).
I just don't feel in my old age I am a "better" person than I was when I was five years old.
Maybe the fact that you've grown up, grown old, and yet still subscribe to make believe contributes to a general feeling that your life hasn't measured up.
Or maybe you need to consider just what the concept of "better" actually means. Better than who? Better than Hitler? I don't know you, but I suspect you can pass that test easily enough. Better than JC? If you continue to subscribe to make believe then of course you will fail to measure up.
Many (most?) people have an inherent feeling when they are young that they were put in this world for a special purpose. By the time they reach old age they must either conclude that their life was a waste, or come to the realization that they had a life, and that WAS the purpose.
It never occurred to me that life sucks. I was far too occupied trying to figure existence out.
I am old. I believe in reincarnation. I think people contract to attend "Earth School" to learn specific things that will evolve their souls. In other words, they need certain life experiences to broaden and deepen themselves.
I can't imagine WHY I contracted to come here. In reviewing my life, I have done some really dumb things (which I have subsequently learned were dumb, but they are so mundane, I don't think it would really matter if I learned the particular things or not - I could have read a book and learned the particular things I was dumb about instead of wasting a lifetime to learn them).
I have also helped a lot of people (like put time, effort and money towards their well-being) - so I "performed good deeds" - I am not sure how to evaluate those deeds - they didn't "help" me (other than to make me more compassionate in the moment - not long term, though).
I just don't feel in my old age I am a "better" person than I was when I was five years old.
My disposition is such that I could exchange insults but, actually, I was thinking that possibly nobody might respond to your message and I just wanted to let you know somebody read it and cared enough to reply.
Take that for what you think it's worth
I'm Buddhist, and I think that rebirth (similar to reincarnation) is a possibility.
First, it's never too late...unless you're homebound. I'm nearly 70 and tutoring a Buddhist monk.
Second, and I'm serious about this -- I think it's time you watched "It's A Wonderful Life" (possibly again) to remember it's message.
Curious about your response. Buddhists believe in reincarnation, so . . .
I think assessing one's life in old age is appropriate - and hopefully there will be "more time," but I am not sure what I "should" be doing right now that would make my lifetime here worthwhile. It seems insignificant - not only to others I have encountered, but for my growth. Hopefully, I am wrong.
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