Any buddhists out there, or anyone who can help please?

[religiousroundabout]

For years, I have always thought that there was something 'missing' in my life.

I am a very highly strung person, I worry alot, stress over everything and nearly always anxious.

For a long while now I have been thinking about buddhism. I have even found classes near me. But, there are a couple of problems,

a. I am outwardly a very loud, gregarious person, but, going into a room full of people I don't know fills me with dread

b. DH is staunch atheist and would not agree/support me on this in any way shape or form.

Any tips advice from anyone would be fab, though I would like to speak to someone who practics buddishm

anyone?

HI
Great to read your email, I could have written it! I am also interested in buddhism, I am noisy, not so keen on meeting a group of people I don't know, I am also married to an aetheist. I haven't attended any buddhist meetings but am looking for something that fits into my routine.
The book which I've found the most useful is the one recommended on the meditation thread on this board " Buddhism for Mothers, a calm approach". It's brilliant. The book recommends buddhanet website - which has lots of interesting things on it.

WHen you go to your meeting just remember everyone else may feel as awkward as you, try and keep as quiet as possible (I know it's impossible for me). However, if you can keep quiet just remember there will be someone there who will appreciate your conversation.

Don't worry about your DH-if practising buddhism and meditation makes you feel calmer and more relaxed he'll enjoy the benefits!

I hope someone who practices buddhism replies to you as I'd like to read what they say.

Good luck.....

allwillbewell, with people that I know I am the life and and have many many acquaintances, but, if I'm on edge or nervous I can be very very quiet and sometimes come across as ignorant (which I am not)

I am dreading what DH will say, I don't know whether to tell him after a couple of classes, or be upfront.

I'm not a buddhist and my knowledge is limited but would it help your DH to know there is no deity involved in buddhism? I suppose I would consider it more of a philosophy or lifestyle than a religion.

I'm just like you too...and am researching buddhism at the mo (well, reading some books anyway). I like "buddhism for mothers", also "the places that scare you" by pema chodron and one that s particularly interesting for me " a mindful way through depression" (or somesuch title). I too am fairly sociable and have lots of friends but suffer badly with anxiety and depression. I have found the reading and thinking in the buddhist way that I am trying to do immensely helpful. I'm looking for a group near me too.

My DH is an atheist, however from the look on his face last night when I responded to things in a much calmer more positive less manic way I think he will be very happy indeed if I keep going with this

I'm fairly agnostic/atheistic myself and do love the fact that in buddhism there is no santified deity...

I've posted a bit on the meditaton thread - you might get some more pointers from others more experienced than me there

Hi all,

I've just had an e-mail from the buddhist who runs the classes and they were lovely.

They answered a few reservations/questions that I had etc.

I asked DH if he would mind me going and he basically said 'f**k off, don't start spouting all the religious shit with me' but, he said that he didn't mind me going as long as I don't involve the kids and try to change him.

WTF?????????????? I'm going for myself and my own curiosity etc.

So Wednesday it is.

Well I am not a Buddhist but if you have any other question do ask, specialist subject in my final year of Uni.

No deities. Well sorta. Buddha certainly didnt have any but some of th4e devoteses to the Taras and Bodhisattvas see them pretty similarly!. Does dpened on your bramnch,

that's funny religiousroundabout, i often post on the meditation thread (waves to peanut!) and just yesterday posted about my problem with DH not being remotely interested in the spiritual side of life - i have definite buddhist and quaker leanings (they seem quite compatible so far(!)) and he is a confirmed atheist too. he is fairly open-minded but gets a bit upset at feeling excluded from some of my activities and sometimes feels that our paths are diverging bcs of it. sometimes i worry about this too. but mostly he is pretty tolerant. i do feel sad that it isn't something we can find common ground about though. good luck in your research/quest!