Going to the temple for the first time in almost 2 years.

[Soccermom]

As I have briefly mentioned in previous posts, I have struggled much with being a member of the LDS church the past several years. I'll spare the details of that journey, but briefly mention that there were many days when SeattleUte sounded like the only intelligent person in the foyer.

At the current moment, my struggles are still there, but a few experiences have persuaded me that my belief in God is the right direction to go and I should stick with what has worked for me in the past. I think I would be what SU refers to as a progressive Mormon, although not as well versed in church history or as intelligent as the likes of Cardiac, ER, et al.

Anyhow, I am going tomorrow after a long absence (and no, it wasn't because of sin you silly mullahs, unless you count nonattendance as a sin of omission).

Aristides feels like he will get the peace of mind he needs and the direction we need to deal with a few major blows that have come our way. I know I have felt peace there before and have only felt greater peace in the mountains, especially when I saw the Pyrenees.

So it got me wondering. When you feel like life is out of control, or are in search of some inner peace, where do the rest of you turn? If you are LDS, especially "progressive LDS" (per SU), do you go to the temple? What about those of you who have left the LDS religion? those of other faiths? SU? Do you have a place you go where you to feel a greater peace, or do you derive that peace wherever you may be?

[Fiyero]

So it got me wondering. When you feel like life is out of control, or are in search of some inner peace, where do the rest of you turn?

Go to San Diego CA and drive up the coast to South Bend WA. There's something strangely therapeutic about it. And when you get drowsy, there's hundreds of turnoffs right on the side of the road overlooking the ocean.

[Slim]

The gym. Seriously I'm lucky that I have such a convenient outlet. If I'm stressed I just take it out on the free weights and I feel like I've got more of a handle on life.

The temple makes me confused and tired.

I hope it is a good experience for you tomorrow. Everyone needs a place they can go to clear their head and help get things running smoothly. I wish you the best.

[Jeff Lebowski]

I go hiking in the mountains. Or on a long run or bike ride. It clears my head. My wife like to go to the temple when she is struggling.

Best wishes on your journey.

[Colly Wolly]

I've struggled a bit over the last year and a half or so in that I have viewed going to the temple as a waste of time. Speaking specifcally of the endowment ceremony, I'm always wishing the process was shorter. I enjoy the process of going through the veil and entering the celestial room, but the hour and a half before that point really drags to me. I'm counting the minutes, bouncing my knee, or worse - asleep. My dad goes to the temple every Friday night. I wish I was more into it, but it's so time consuming. I hope to get better at it.

I don't have alot of time or opportunities to "get away from things" when life gets hectic or stressful. Sad as it is, playing xbox with friends, or going out on a date with my wife are my therapy sessions.

[byu71]

I liked to read books on positive thinking. I also found if I got out some paper and started writing about what was bugging me and possibilities for fixing it, it would help. An odd thing was after writing a while I found what I thought was bugging me wasn't really what the problem was.

I have gotten out of the habit of doing that. I actually need to do some mind clearing myself, but have been putting it off.

Best of luck and I am sure as you look, you will find.

[RobinFinderson]

Go to San Diego CA and drive up the coast to South Bend WA. There's something strangely therapeutic about it. And when you get drowsy, there's hundreds of turnoffs right on the side of the road overlooking the ocean.

I can second this, except I would suggest taking the trip from north to south. That way you drive on the ocean side of the road, and get much better views than going the other way.

I try to find time to do something quality with Faith when I need to find some peace... that and inebriation. Sometimes both. For me inebriation helps get some perspective on things. It isn't a form of flight. It just helps one get a different perspective on things, which is also why I go to faith. When I do want to escape thinking about something I'll spend time on CUF.

Good luck Soccermom! I hope you get the perspective you are looking for.

[Surfah]

The temple has always been a place where I can find peace. Just being near the temple at times has done the same. Many nights when I wasn't able to sleep because of things I was wrestling with I'd drive up above Provo Temple to Rock Canyon and park. I know most people rag on the architecture of that temple, but I think it's rad. Especially at night when it is all lit up and you can see the whole valley below. It was a good place to talk to God when I couldn't go in to do it. I have gone to the temple a number of times with the sole purpose of receiving peace or confirmation.

I hope your visit brings you and Aristedes the comfort and peace you seek.

[Jarid in Cedar]

I have 2 tactics based on time. The first is lock my office, shut the blinds, and put some tranquill sounds through my IPOD. Enya, Yanni, some CD's I got from a company called Holosync.

The second is to drive up the canyon and take a side road until I cannot see people anymore. Then hike to a small cliff that overlooks the canyon.

[wuapinmon]

Since I was young man, if I put on the music of Bob Marley and the Wailers, and listen for a good 30 mins, there's no much that won't feel better. The louder and bassier the better. Music soothes even the savage beast.

I like the temple, but the endowment ceremony is not my favorite. Sometimes I wish you could just walk into the temple and be able to go pray, like most other faiths can go to their "sanctuary" and pray. I know you can just go into the Celestial Room, but you still have to get suited up in the full robes. My house is far too chaotic with three small kids to really pray anywhere peacefully except the shower. My wife thinks I take 10 minute showers, but I'm usually saying prayers in there or thinking about things since I know that it's the one place that my kids won't come try and talk to me.

[Danimal]

Unfortunately, I've never felt much peace at the temple, and have only attended a handful of times in the past 5 years or so. I mostly just feel weirded out.

I have found mindfulness meditation and other relaxation exercises to be helpful. Exercising until I'm exhausted has a nice effect. But these are more for coping than for finding real peace. I'm not sure that peace is so easily accessible.

I hope you find the comfort and direction you're seeking.

[Soccermom]

The temple has always been a place where I can find peace. Just being near the temple at times has done the same. Many nights when I wasn't able to sleep because of things I was wrestling with I'd drive up above Provo Temple to Rock Canyon and park. I know most people rag on the architecture of that temple, but I think it's rad. Especially at night when it is all lit up and you can see the whole valley below. It was a good place to talk to God when I couldn't go in to do it. I have gone to the temple a number of times with the sole purpose of receiving peace or confirmation.

I hope your visit brings you and Aristedes the comfort and peace you seek.

Aristides and I think the Provo Temple is rad too. We were married there. Before the gold steeple was changed to white. We like the view of the valley below there too, and the backdrop of the mountains. We actually got some pretty cool wedding photos.

[SeattleUte]

So it got me wondering. When you feel like life is out of control, or are in search of some inner peace, where do the rest of you turn? If you are LDS, especially "progressive LDS" (per SU), do you go to the temple? What about those of you who have left the LDS religion? those of other faiths? SU? Do you have a place you go where you to feel a greater peace, or do you derive that peace wherever you may be?

Thanks for asking. I assume you're asking about spiritual solace. I try to nourish my mind, make up for lost time. It helps that I got rid of my TV about nine years ago and have watched almost none since. I try to spend quality time with myself.

I read. A huge range of stuff, including the Bible, other ancient works. Great novels and short stories. A lot of non-fiction but it has to be really good. I have a strong bent toward history, particularly religous and philosophical history and human conflict, which are often related. I'm intensely interested in the thread that started with ancient Greek democracy, the invention of drama, architecture, science, history, etc., and proceeded through ancient Rome, Judaism, advent of Christianity, medieval Christianity, and our current enlightenment, of which I think all the foregoing are ingredients. I look for evidence of universal justice, like a gold panner poring over a creek bed for shiny flecks. I'm not as versed in science as Creekster but I dabble in reading it; mostly evolution.

I wasn't raised around great music but have developed a strong appreciation for Classical music. Tonight it's been Alexander Scriabin Piano Concerto in F Sharp Minor and Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. I love opera, the ballet, Shakespeare; sometimes I do go alone. Bach is as close as I get to church (I guess he's my Bill Moyers). This is my new toy:

http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Complete-...1780024&sr=1-1

(A great deal and not a bad recording!)

Nature; I try to get out in the woods, onto a deserted beach or a mountain.

I write.

[Art Vandelay]

As I have briefly mentioned in previous posts, I have struggled much with being a member of the LDS church the past several years. I'll spare the details of that journey, but briefly mention that there were many days when SeattleUte sounded like the only intelligent person in the foyer.

At the current moment, my struggles are still there, but a few experiences have persuaded me that my belief in God is the right direction to go and I should stick with what has worked for me in the past. I think I would be what SU refers to as a progressive Mormon, although not as well versed in church history or as intelligent as the likes of Cardiac, ER, et al.

Anyhow, I am going tomorrow after a long absence (and no, it wasn't because of sin you silly mullahs, unless you count nonattendance as a sin of omission).

Aristides feels like he will get the peace of mind he needs and the direction we need to deal with a few major blows that have come our way. I know I have felt peace there before and have only felt greater peace in the mountains, especially when I saw the Pyrenees.

So it got me wondering. When you feel like life is out of control, or are in search of some inner peace, where do the rest of you turn? If you are LDS, especially "progressive LDS" (per SU), do you go to the temple? What about those of you who have left the LDS religion? those of other faiths? SU? Do you have a place you go where you to feel a greater peace, or do you derive that peace wherever you may be?

Unfortunately, I'm probably one of the least likely members of CUF would classify as "progressive". With that said the temple has truly become a sanctuary for me over the past several years. It wasn't always that way. Over the years I have experienced many emotions in the temple, boredom, confusion and even guilt. However, when my wife and I made the commitment to make temple attendance a priority it has become a place where prayers are answered, solace is found and the cares of world can be left behind.

I don't think the Lord is any different in answering my prayers in or outside of the temple. But I know I am different when I attend. My wife, my kids, and my marriage all become better, because I have a greater desire to be less selfish and more considerate and thankful for each.

I also have found peace in many of the above mentioned places, especially in backpacking, running (before my knees started to detiorate) and reading. However, the peace I find in the temple is different. I hope you are able to find what you are searching for there.

[Soccermom]

Thanks for your answers everyone.

Great new toy, SU. I also find much spiritual solace listening to great music. I'm rather partial to Mozart and Chopin myself.