The one thing that generally sets witchcraft apart from someone who is a naturalist is the ritual use of magick and spellcraft.

Yes, it is what you make of it. But, it is still very hard and very painful to watch so much suffering. I can find inner peace and joy for myself, but it hurts me to see others who cannot or do not especially if I love them.

James, there are people who could do exactly what you did and still be miserable. Moving to your little cottage set up an environment for you that facilitated your happiness. But, you had to have had the ability to be happy. Some people do not have that ability, it seems.

First, very well said. My inner peace is extremely important to me but lately, I've lost my way in achieveing it. I've gone off track and I don't know how to really get it back. My inner peace used to come from having my conscience clear. Having no regrets and refusing to worry. My inner peace came from being happy. My happiness truly started after I stopped trying so hard to be the "good christian" that everyone told me I was supposed to be. Christianity just brought me, my mind, and spirit such conflict. I hated that it was so hard to "love God" for me when it came so natural to others. When I would ask things like "why do you I have to get in my "church clothes" to go praise God" I was told to just do it. It's what you're supposed to do. From a little girl I always asked what no one wanted to answer. That kept me from being at peace. I can't be at peace with myself when important things in my life don't make any sense at all.

Jill, it can be hard to maintain that inner peace when life gets rough. It is very important to get back on track though. I believe that not only does it help immediately, but everything always works out for the best when I let it go.

Detachment is the key. You have to be willing to let the people and circumstances go even if you think they are the root of your happiness.

I understand That's one of my weaknesses incase you hadn't noticed

Mine too.

I am sure one will find a way if one truly seeks it. Inner peace is beautiful.

Seek and ye shall find.

If you have a religous faith, then pray or meditate according to your religion. If your mind is still clear, reflect on the fact that birth, sickness, old age and death are part of every human life and are inescapable. Recognizing this and accepting it fully will help you to grow old more peacefully.

I'm not sure if you are speaking to me or in general. I do not have any issues with growing old. I'm not afraid of growing old or of dying. I am very much at peace with those things.

Oh no I am never speaking to anyone particular when I add a post. If I speak to you I would add what you wrote to what I need to say, so you know I am replying to you.

I am sure you are balanced in every aspect in life. I write this for those who seek more wisdom and understanding.

I am about as unbalanced as it gets. I just don't happen to have an issue with getting old. However, I do have other issues. You can read about them when I publish my book....as it is going to take a whole book to list them.

Thanks for starting this topic....it has given me much to think about.

Ask yourself what you can still contribute to the society on which you depend. With the knowledge you have gained, you can certainly be more useful to others than people who have not lived so long. Talk about your life with your family and your loved ones, and share your experiences with them. If you enjoy being with your grandchildren, communicate some of your understanding as you are looking after them and help to educate them.

Above all, do not end up like those old people who complain and quarrel all day long. Do not waste your energy in that way. Nobody will like you and old age will become a real tribulation.

When the book is published, I will gladly like to buy a signed copy for my collection. I am sure there is much wisdom to attain from it.

Thank you for replying to my posts. I usually reply to my posts alone on paper later on when I have done some research on it

Truly it is.

Ultimately you can really only be responsible for your own happiness.

You can contribute to the happiness of others if they are in a mood to receive that contribution.

But you seriously can't make other people happy. That's truly up to them.

I found peace in detachment.

Probably the greatest experience on Earth is when happy people find each other. Then they are truly receptive of each other's happiness.

I wonder if that ever happens.

It hasn't happened to me yet exactly. At least not long-term.

But I have seen examples of it happening for other couples.

For those who have no religon or spirtual path, and whose attitude and outlook is very far from being religous one, the most important point at the moment of death is to be calm and relaxed, and to keep clearly in mind that death is a natural process that is part of life.

Do you have atheist/nonreligous or nonspiritual friends who discuss such topics as death? If so what wisdom have you taken from their experiences that are beneficial or clinges true for you.

I have seen enough agony and hurt to last three lifetimes and shed a tear for a African Child no older then 8 years old who suffered hunger, poverty, and sickness before taken in to do bad biddings for guerilla warriors in Congo. I often wonder where he is now. The child I gave some food to when I worked for the Red Cross.
He was a child who is now a man trained to be violent, ruthless, and wreckless of no fault of his own. He was forced at a young age to adapt to his situation or die.
As most wish him bad for how he is today, I can only wish him the best and to find peace of mind, heart, and soul. To find a balance to ensure happiness not just for himself but for others around him. I don't know why I felt the need to share my experience as a Red Cross worker here on a forum today. Maybe because I enjoy a schwenker of cognac before going to bed, but I actually wipe a tear at the atrocities that happen around the world. The victims who had no choice but to adapt or die. I shed a tear today and can only hope for the best for mankind to find balance and peace on this small planet that holds life.