What's your comfort level?

[naomi]

This poll came to mind based on the news today that Crossing Over will be doing a special WTC show(s) in November. Some of us may be a little wary of the motives behind this show and the publicity that is already starting. Others may feel it's good way to gain a larger following to John's message.

If you are one who does believe in ADC, how comfortable are you with letting people you see everyday know your beliefs about communicating with the Other Side.

[paige]

Hey Naomi,

As a small child, I learned very early on to keep my mouth shut about my experiences. As I grew, I became less concerned with other's opinions on the topic. Unfortunately, I learned another hard lesson........not everyone gets as excited about this stuff as I do! Over the last several years, I would bring things up here and there, just to test the waters. Majority of the time, I didn't get a positive reaction! These days, I do most of my research and meditation in the "closet." The only thing that my friends and family know is that they better not touch the remote when John is on!!!

I chose to adjust my thinking on the subject. I don't look for others approval or disapproval anymore. My spiritual journey is a very private one. If the day comes when God wants me to share my gift on some level, with others, I'm on it! Until that time, I choose not to expose myself to the negative energy of non-believers. God bless 'em, all!

p
:stick: :laff:

[Gail]

You need another choice such as "I only tell people I think need to know".

[AmyJ]

I test the water before I will talk because some people act as if your either a complete moron or dabbling with the devil. My brother is a christian and when I told him about being read by JE he said I was being led or that I wanted it too happen so I made it fit. I'll see what he has to say after he sees it on TV for himself and isn't just getting my interpretation. Oh well, can't change the world.;)

[PsyQuestor]

I haven't answered this poll because for me, the answer would be tainted. For example, at work I cannot share my enthusiasm for JE. Forget lawsuits, forget PC, I live in a very very small town and the real world hasn't extended here yet. For now I am not independantly wealthy, so I have to work.

Pertaining to personal life; I tell anyone and everyone.

So, I guess for me to say I tell everyone would be a half truth. To say I only tell those who ask would not be correct either. My boss has directly asked me, to which I responded that it was personal and had nothing to do with work. To say I'm a closet believer would also be incorrect, having practically shouted from the rooftops to my family and friends.

I wish there was an answer for small town middle class JE supporters.

Tammy
Small town JE supporter.

[AmyJ]

Ken,
My brother will watch and for that matter my husband will also but mostly out of support for me. I am virtually alone when it comes to my family. Except for my mom,who was a believer, and who came through the most in my reading with John. I guess she knew I would listen!!

[mesch]

I answered altho I felt the same should have been at least one more option. I do tell many people but I don't run around saying I watch john every night :) or that I meditated last night more because that is my thing and I don't want it to be taken from me, or invaded on, but most people that know me,, know I watch JE and that I believe wholey!

[woobeesmom]

Like Tammy I'm from a small town. I don't usually bring it up unless need too. First time I brought it up to my beautician(who lost her son two weeks later in in accident) I got the work of satan line so other than close family its not discussed too much.I did notice though when at the bookstore to pick up JE's latest book there were several others (special ordered) to be pick up on the shelf. I think there are a lot of closet believers.

[stevegrenard]

I can't answer this poll either -- too few choices. For me, no, I dont tell everyone I meet, no I am not in the closet and yes, I do tell people who bring it up first but I also tell others who don't bring it up as well...not just "everyone" I meet. LOL

[amcpherson]

I also don't tell EVERYONE I meet. Oddly enough, since I hang out with people who do believe in psychics, I don't always tell them, because they tend to assume that if John is on TV, he is automatically a fake! But these are my friends, so I can scold them and tell them to quit making judgments until they see the show for themselves.

As for at work, if it comes up naturally, I'll say I watch his show and believe in what he does. I suppose the same people I would tell about my Tarot cards, I would also tell about John Edward. :) It isn't a big deal to me, since I'm not trying to convert anyone.

Ann

[RSLancastr]

I can't answer this poll either -- too few choices.Funny, I was about to say the same thing! :)

-Bob

[JBannister]

Tammy,
I loved your answer about being a small town JE supporter!
It is in a class all it's own. I love my little town full of third and
fourth generation sheep herders and such. I love hearing the
unique ways they can perdict the coming winter weather. I even
enjoy debating which hard wood is best for a long lasting fire in
the wood stove. And, O.K. I'll even admit it can be fun in the morn-
ing to go to the general store for coffee and catch up on the gos-
sip. But discuss J.E.? I don't think so.
Without family members or friends with whom I can talk to, is
one reason why I'm around here so much.
Julie

[Jean]

I voted that I would admit it if asked. I was a secretary/ paralegal for a lawyer in a small town for 8 years. His wife was the receptionist. She was very opinionated, and I learned very soon that it was best to keep my mouth shut about several subjects. She made fun of my choice of singers... (love Rod Stewart and The Moody Blues), she made fun of my politics, and simple things like my choice of who should be on our postal stamps. I would generally only smile and turn the subject to a case we were working on. There was a line I would not cross, however, and that was about my spiritual beliefs. I said in another thread that it seemed to me that in the Bible when Jesus got angry it was because someone was being hypocritical. I don't say that I never am... but there are certain things I will defend. I was glad the subject never came up, and I wisely did not bring it up myself. :)

Jean

[WPBEAR14]

The Poll doesn't cover enough possibilities as stated frequently in the previous posts, such as:You need another choice such as "I only tell people I think need to know".


I sometimes feel compelled to tell people about JE,and at other times I am timid about talking about any thing metaphysical including ADC. I am fortunate to have a few people at work, a few family friends, a few acquaintances, and of course all you, the JE friends, to talk to about ADC, etc.

So my choice would be 4) sometimes I shout it , sometimes I don't, sometimes I keep it to myself, and sometimes I post it here.

Note to Jean, ditto on your quote:Ilove Rod Stewart and The Moody Blues, too.

[Amanda]

I voted that I'd only tell if asked.

I have a big mouth. I got burned so many times because I was excited and wanting to share the message.
Now, I mainly keep to myself. But, when I see a way in especially with my non believing family members I take it.

I have a 83 year old Grandmother who just started watching the show on Fox about 2 months ago, and is the most open minded of the bunch. She completely amazes me. She actually can only hear the show because she is legally blind but, she has found hope and comfort through C.O. and knowing that my Grandfather is really still with her as is her parents and her Daughter. For a long time she hid the fact that she talked to them like they were still here from everyone. Now she has begun to open up to me about her own personal beliefs in life after death that she had been afraid to share with anyone due to her strict very southern Baptist upbringing that taught her that anyone claiming to be able to talk with the dead were actually talking to satan.

That's just one of many ways that John Edward and his message that love never dies has helped me. I am glad that I wasn't able to keep my big mouth shut with her.
Some times I feel compelled to share and I just have to even when it means getting the ol' raised eyebrow look.

[nana]

I guess my excitement when I discovered CO was just too much to keep to myself, so I told people at work about it and one of the girls I work with has watched it too. She believes as I do and most of the other people in my office seem to be receptive. I have been pleasantly surprised a few times by family members who live far away from me who are into John too. Of course, on the other side, a friend of mine who works upstairs in the court, was SHOCKED :eek: when I told her about John and how I watch him all of the time. She said that as a Catholic she didn't think I was allowed to believe in such a thing and that it sounded like Satan's work. I told her that as a Catholic I have been taught to believe in eternal life so why wouldn't I believe that my loved ones are with me? :angel:

I guess that I just figure I will tell people I care about how John has brought comfort to my life in hopes that they will check him out and find comfort in theirs also.

[robnelle]

Well, seeing as I live in an area where there is a large concentration of urban religous hypocrites,(I have no problem with religion or religous people- just the people who scream hallelujah and act holier than thou while they stab brother so and so in the back and spend some "quality time" with sister so and so's significant other while effortlessly passing judgement on all those who "DARE to oppose them")---BUT I digress....anyways as I was saying....seeing as I live in an area where the whole metaphysical/survival science thing is not received very well, I would have to say: I only tell people who 'want' to know.I don't wanna be a closet dweller but I have ducked a gangload of bibles and dodged more than my fair share of thunderbolts at the mere mention of CO or JE as I instantly become a disciple of satan or at the very least, a poor mindless, foolish sheep led astray by the lord of evil. Many a day I have wished I had kept my trap shut. I always wish I didn't need to.I always wind up with people trying to SAVE me.You wanna save me? Help me pay some of these BILLS. :)

[Earthcoaster]

I am definitely not opposed to letting people know how I feel.
Like freewillin, I have a big mouth and I often like to use it.
However, personal beliefs are, well, such a personal thing.
Regardless of how I personally feel as a believer, I would
never try to convert someone. :tsktsk: But, if it comes up in
conversation or as was the case in June when I was taking
off work to attend the Atlanta seminar and my coworkers
were curious as to who this "John Edward" guy was and
what he's about, I am more than happy to explain what I
believe, what I have seen, and direct them to the appropriate
resources (i.e. CO, JEF, books, etc) and encourage them
to find out for themselves. :reader:

I must admit though that I am blessed to have such great
friends, family, coworkers, boss. :angel: All of them are CO watchers or at least are familiar enough about JE to have an opinion one way or the other. So, to these people, I have no problem blabbing away.........makes for very very interesting conversations (but very loooooooong ones!)

[PsyQuestor]

Welcome back Robnelle, yes we missed you!! I even left a message in your guest book, so you wouldn't forget us :eek:

And I forgot to mention all the thunder and lightening in my post; thanks for covering that. I work for some very devout people. They are wonderful, but it's their way, or the highway. :(

It leaves you wondering :confused: Doesnt' the bible say love thy neighbor? (it doesn't say) ---> except if they don't agree 100% with your opinions.

Tammy

[ceceoh]

:wave: Hey Robnelle! Great to see ya back!

Now let me get this straight: You live in a town known as one of the most haunted places in America, has a reputation for being "Vampire Central" due to the writings of a certain author that I used to love but seems to have become stuck in one very weird groove, (ooops, wrong board, sorry.), and has made a cottage industry out of Marie Laveau and cemetary tours? Yet you bring up the subject of a certain psychic whose message is that we not only survive the death of our physical bodies, but that we are happy, learning and growing on the Other Side, and you get bashed?

Gee, I'd think if any city would embrace John Edward's message, it would be New Orleans!

[robnelle]

I could never forget about you folks!! I just had a bunch of overtime lately and didn't have much time to post. But I would try to at least lurk for a few minutes every day.Things are much better now-starting to get back to normal. And as for the New Orleans thing? You are also talking about the town that has Drive Thru Daiquiri shops and cemeteries built on TOP of the ground...Folks here are just a little bit backwards...I can go on and on about that but that would be a tad bit off topic :wink:

Oh! and thanks for visiting my web site!glad you liked it! I would like to do more with it but the Ixla publishing software is CRAP! stay away stay away from Ixla!

[Sansha]

I live in a city, and come from a small town. My daughter and family still live in that small town. When I talk to her about JE, she gets this smile on her face, like"Mom, have you completly lost your mind ?"
But I do have my best friend in that small town converted, and she knows a lot of folks, so it shouldn't take long to see the shift.
As for peoples reactions, I flew home a few weeks ago, and while waiting to board, as well as on the flight, I was reading Johns book. Most folks gave me the same look as my daughter does. I would just smile at them, and know in my heart that I am one of the enlightened ones, and feel sorry for them for what they are missing.

[aznanrg]

Originally posted by KenC327
The middle category doesn't exactly describe my position, but I guess it's a close approximation. As a few people on the board know, I have been burned by being associated with an interest in John Edward in the past. I suppose, though, I would be slightly more forthcoming about it than waiting to be asked. It's all very situational.


I'm with you Ken, I'm not so quiet at only telling people if I am asked. If the subject comes up I will usually interject my beliefs. If I am in a group of morons however I don't wasted my energy. :cool:

[Daralassa]

Hey All!

This is my first time posting.

*smile* Warning, I'm long-winded today (I think it is a sugar rush from all the Halloween candy)

The subject reminded me of my Grandma who would embarass us grandkids by talking about visits she had from dead relatives.

It was a running joke in my family about how my Grandma would see a "coincidence" in everything. She would point things out that we all thought were a major stretch. Things like... this date matches the last two digits of a phone number or this person has the same initials as a cousin we have a billion times removed. Somehow she would link it together.

She would talk about how dead friends and relatives would visit her. She would describe it in great detail. She would tell us how an old woman cursed her as a baby and the curses all came true.

She would tell anyone who would listen to her stories. All the grandkids would giggle and roll their eyes, myself included. We were especially embarassed when she would tell perfect strangers at stores or on buses.

Anyway, I bring this up, because it never even phased my Grandma or my Aunt (my Grandma claimed my Aunt was a really gifted psychic) to tell people about psychic phenomenon, her crazy coincidences, or being visited by the dead - despite the fact that we would all tease her about it. To my Grandma it was just plain fact, and if we were too stupid to recognize it, then it was our loss.

Nowadays, I bring up John Edward or the whole psychic topic all the time with people I encounter personally. (I'm both a believer and a skeptic, but am more predisposed to the believing side.) I don't go up to the grocery counter and say, "Hi, I'm a JE fan and believe in psychics. How much is the loaf of bread?" However, I will throw the subject out there for discussion a lot, particularly to spice up a conversation situation with non-believers. ok, ok so I can be antagonistic sometimes... anyway...

I get every reaction under the sun from complete understanding and agreement to absolute disgust for being so stupid. I am bothered by none of the negative reactions. In fact, those are the best responses, because they usually are accompanied by a contortion of the face you rarely get to see someone make :-)

The one place I don't bring it up is in business dealins unless it seems like a natural thing to bring up. However, everyday I'm more and more like my Grandma. In fact, I noticed a coincidence just the other day. *grin* She would be so proud... hehe.

Daralassa

[mesch]

Today, while I was pulling books out of boxes and setting up for my kids book fair, out popped some books called "the sixth sence" with a picture of ,,, oh,, well you know the kid, but I am so brain dead from the work I can't recall right now! OHH Haley Joel Osmett.. anyway, so I said to my daughter,, wonder what they say? wonder if it says the same things that John believes, my daughter was like oh whatever (even tho she thinks john is COOL) anyway,, I haven't looked yet ;) but one of hte ed Assistants was in teh room with me at the time and says, oh so you watch him, I was like YUP! every day! don't miss him unless absolutely nessasary, umm like I am crossing! LOL
so her and I talked a bit I offered her my books if she wants to read,, but I do tell people,, openly,, but like the last post,, LOL no, I don't say hey I am a JE fan can I have a pound of ground round LOL :) but anyone that knows ME,, knows I watch him every day without fail :D

[riley90]

I voted I tell everyone I meet, but that is in correct.
I don't tell everyone, but I do tell many.
Every person responds in a different way..... Doubt, Excitement, Acknowledgement, Comfort, Excitement, Doubt, etc

[zebnkee]

I don't have this subject come up much at all in my personal or prof life so I had to answer...wait til someone asks. Not many people seem to be interested/aware of this and I am not the kind of person to just bring it up. Maybe now I will, having visited this board more freq. and learning more from you all. I am now interested to see what others may feel about the subject.

[amcpherson]

Daralassa,
What a cool grandma you have!
I think a big reason I don't bring it up that much is because people tend to bring it up with me! I sometimes joke that I must have a sign over my head saying, "If you've had a psychic experience, I'm the person to tell," because although I really keep my experiences and beliefs to myself, all my life people have tended to just suddenly start talking about something like that to me.

I knew a young woman several years ago (by young I mean college age, much younger than I am!) :rolleyes: and after I'd known her only a few weeks casually, she suddenly told me that on a weekend in Maine at a B&B she had awakened to see a ghost floating over her. She seemed encouraged and relieved that I believed her, and I asked if she had felt threatened, and she said no, more comforted, and I said then it was a good experience and certainly nothing to worry about (she seemed worried, maybe that she was going crazy or something.)

But stuff like that has been happening as long as I can remember, where people I know casually or even well, will suddenly tell me about such an experience. So I don't try to bring up John Edward or any related stuff, because it usually comes to me! (never have figured out why...)

Ann

[Jean]

Ann, those people must see a special light in your eyes or a special glow around you. I think that is great!

Daralassa, I agree that your Grandma was an interesting, enlightened woman. It would have been fun to have known her.
I bet she thinks it is so cool that you are starting to be just like her. It's the best compliment you could give her.

Jean

[Amethyst]

If someone is a friend or seems receptive, I bring up JE. A girl at work's mom passed unexectedly as mine had 2 yrs. ago. As I was comforting her, she mentioned seeing a psychic before her mom passed. I told her about JE, & now she is reading One Last Time. Whereas she hadn't been able to sleep, now she reads the book a little each night , feels more at peace & can fall asleep.
Donna

[Lindakay]

I answered with the second, only if someone asks, but that's only because it was the closest answer for me.

I have to be very, very careful too, because I live in a small down and am also a clergy wife! Can you imagine the reaction of some people?!

I'm careful how I say things, but I do say things to someone grieving like, "you keep on talking to him because I believe he can hear you", and things that J.E. has said like the fact that the bonds of love are still very strong and death does not break them.

What John says and does does not have to butt heads with religion or should I say spirituality! It can strengthen your faith. It has mine!

[Gail]

I do work in a library and am surprised at how many people check out Sylvia Browns books and have not heard of John Edward. You can be sure I tell them about him. :)

[Vieve]

Although I believe strongly I wouldn't actually start talking about it to a stranger unless brought up as a subject or if I really felt that this stranger needed to talk about this and I felt strongly that they wanted to talk about it; but with friends and family I definitely would and do discuss this, since even my youngest daughters have had experiences that seem very real to them.

[mesch]

As i read all of our replys, i pose the question,,,,,

how do we know someone is or isn't interested, and how do they know if someone doesn't break the ice to find out.... times like these it can so easily come out as,, "do you believe in an after life?" or what do you think happens when someone passes on... I have done this and either the person is or isn't receptive :)

[Lindakay]

Even that question, Mesch, can be a hard one to discuss with some people. A lot of people - boy is this hard... I have all kinds of stuff running through my mind and I don't know how to start or what to say - I'll start like this.. Don't you think church is the place to go to worship but also to question and to grow and learn? But a lot of people stopped questioning after childhood Sunday School. That's where their faith leaves off. So they are very literal in their beliefs and very threatened by anything else. I've been amazed at how closed some can be, and I've learned to be very aware of that when discussing some things!

[naomi]

I just had one of those work experiences last week. A woman I work with was telling me that her Dad got married the weekend before. As she was telling me, I could see tears starting in her eyes. Her Mom died six months ago and she was having a really hard time with her Dad's decision to re-marry so soon.

This reminded me of one of the readings in Charlotte. So, I kind of cautiously started, "I'd like to tell you something, but I don't know quite how you'll take this. I have become very interested in the psychic medium"

Before I could finish the sentence she said in a really excited voice "John Edward". I asked if she knew much about him, and she said she watched him all the time and just loved him. So, I proceeded to tell her about going to Charlotte. The reading John gave there was a very memorable one because it was one of those ones where he was determined to get the right person. There were several conditions that had to be met. Quite a few people in the general area had one or two of the things he was looking for, but not the third. He kept saying "No, I need to make sure this gets to the right person because there's a special message with this."

Finally he found the woman who met all the conditions. Then he told her that she was not communicating with her father. She got kind of emotional and said that No, she wasn't because she didnt' approve of her Dad re-marrying so soon after her Mother's death. John told her "I have your Mother here, and she is telling you that she loves this man and wants to see him happy. Let him get on with his life."

When I finished my co-worker was really in tears. She said that she really needed to hear that. She felt that it was no coincidence that she happened to wander into my office to chat about her shopping trip to get a dress for the wedding.

So, I think there are times when any one of us can be used as a conduit to not only let others know about John's message, but to also relay a message second-hand.

[mesch]

Lin,
Point well taken, I do understand what you are saying fully. In Idaho the mormon community is very strong and I have foound most of my friends are.. but I know that they "marry" couples eternally,, so I wanted to know what their thoughts were, so I asked my friend, told her I wanted to know something on teh religion level, and if she didn't want to talk about it to please tell me so, and I wouldn't be offended, and what I wanted to know wasn't ment to offend her, just to understand.. Her answers weren't what I expected, but it was interesting to learn what she thought,, Or as she says it, knows from what she has been tought. I didn't fully believe her thoughts,, nor did she believe mine.. but it was an enlightening day for sure :)
:D

[mesch]

Very wise Naomi :) I am glad she "wondered" into your office,, hmm do ya think maybe her mom gave her a soft nudge that way :) I do... I am glad you were able to share that story with her.

[Lindakay]

That was beautiful Naomi. How lucky you were to even be there! And Mesch, that's neat! It's great you can have a conversation like that. I've certainly found my soulmate, and hope our souls will always be together, along with everyone else we love. Eternity's just fine!

[mesch]

Lin,
my soulmate is already on the other side. He is still my soulmate,, I have found another love here on this side. and I am so grateful for him. the love is very differant.. as it should be.. I know I will be with both on the other side... :)

[Lindakay]

Mesch.. Yes! That's how I feel the other side will be too! I'm so glad you've found another love on this side too!

[mesch]

Lin, I agree and thanks :) I am glad I found my husband too :)

[mesch]

Way to go AL!! thats the way to do it :)

[erdugal]

I don't normally discuss John Edward with co-workers. However, last week I mentioned I was taking a couple of days off this month to go to New York and the fact that I was going to see John Edward came up. I was pleasantly surprised when my co-worker actually said she knew who he was and did not have anything negative to say! :)

My entire family knows what I believe. My Mom and Sister are on the bandwagon with me too as they went to the Gallery with me back in Oct. 2002. My mom has no problem discussing John Edward with her friends. She tells everyone that she has been to the Gallery and I know she is now telling them that she is going to see him again this month (May).

My two daughters and my husband absolutely believes that John is genuine. I've got my MIL believing too. My son is the only sceptic but I'm still working on him. He did tape John's Pay-Per-View show for me though. To give you some background about my son.....my husband and I adopted him when he was 21 yrs. old. His first set of adopted parents had both died; dad when he was 14 yrs. old, an mom died about a month after he turned 21. He came home one Sunday afternoon and found his mom dead from a bullet wound. The police said it was suicide, but I have never believed that! First of all, she would've left a note; secondly, she would have NEVER done that to her son. One of my reasons for going to see John Edward, is that I hope she will come through and validate my belief so I can go back to my son and set the record straight.

Sorry, didn't mean to get carried away. :chatter:

Blessings to All,

Linda
No. VA

[Amy Rose]

im pretty comfortable talking about john edward and metaphysical things. over the past year ive just become a lot more comfortable about it. i guess thats because ive been learning a lot more about myself, and to my expereinces which makes me feel comfortable.my immediate family knows how much i love john--my mom really likes him too. ive gotten my little brother interested with crossing over as well. when it comes to my dad, i dont think he'll ever be convinced. in a way it saddens me that he has a hard time supporting me in something that really means a lot to me, and in a way i think that hurts our relationship. i think hes still having a hard time getting on with the death of his parents, and basically has a lot of issues to work thru which is understandable. my aunt (his sister) likes john, but i dont know if id be fully comfortable talking to her about this since i dont know if shes one to just like his show, or a real fan, or just someone who is intrigued. its hard to say. her daughter likes john, but then again i dont know how interested in this subject, she is. so basically i dont talk much about john with my dad's family only because i know some of them will give me grief and stuff. but ive learned to accept their opinions and just move on because i know what i believe in is true. as for my friends, they think im just plain crazy for liking john edward. they arent as supportive so ive just stopped talking about him at all. its kinda like why waste my breath, time and energy on something they will just mock or whatever. but i am comfortable with anyone who is open, because its better to have an opened mind and be skeptical than for someone who is just plain cynical.

[PBPan]

I was thinking about this thread this morning... and then today I was faced with this exact issue not just once but twice.

I was so excited to recieve the Aussie DVD that I couldn't help but smile. A co-worker asked why I was grinning from ear to ear and I told her that a DVD that I had been waiting a really really long time for finally arrived. Curious, she asked which DVD. What came out of my mouth next, even shocked me.

The John Edward Spot on Australia DVD. (I was covering phones at the time and as luck would have it, the phone rang, interrupting our conversation...)

When I hung up with the caller, she said, do you believe?

I do believe, I said and told her why (gave her a brief explanation of my experiences and of course had to share about the blue rose)...

I've never been so candid before, but what was cool is that they didn't look at me like I had two heads.

Then it happened again! Someone else asked me about my happiness and of course I smiled and told them I got my JE DVD and again without hesitation went on to explain what I believed. She was a bit more skeptical but open to my experience and did not discount or dismiss it as a figure of my imagination. Seeing her skepticism I concluded my experience story with the statement that I've come to the conclusion that I can share my stories about my experiences and if you like it great. If you find some deeper meaning, awesome. If not, thanks for listening.

To my surprise, she said, thanks for the wonderful story. Again, I wasn't looked at like I was crazy. I am still guarded (but then again that's just me - according to my natal chart its got something to do with the way my planets are aligned) about my beliefs and things close to my heart.

It was awesome to just share a tiny bit of that pie today with some one else.

For whatever reason, today was the first day I was able to speak so openly about this. Usually I'll wait for someone else to address it, but today I just blurted it out. It was cool!

:love:
Megan

[chassiewes]

I've been fairly circumspect about revealing this new aspect of my life and up to now have discussed it with only four very close friends. This past weekend, however, a door opened, giving me the opportunity to discuss it with a business associate, one with whom I have only occasional contact and a person it would never have occurred to me to bring up anything metaphysical. To my astonishment, it was something she said in reference to recent deaths in her family and about spirits hanging around that made me take a chance and risk revealing the ADCs I've experienced, my introduction to John via Crossing Over and the results of my research since. She was completely open to it. It was a pleasant surprise and may have added a different dimension to what has been a strictly business relationship. I must admit I'm not ready to tell the world yet. But I'm getting there, one acquaintance at a time.

Chassie :)

[Phigalilly]

It's interesting that this thread should reappear right now as I was "outed" in class a few days ago. I'm in a program called Philosophy, Cosmology and Consciousness. I was very upfront about my interest in ADC during my interview because I wanted to make sure I would get at least some support, and I did, it went very well. My advisor knows Gary Schwartz and Linda Russek, and is really into Rudolf Steiner (Waldorf schools).

My class, however, was a completely different experience. When I went to Hawaii in February I had to miss class and send in my weekly paper through Email so I told my instructor where I was going and why. No comment. Weeks later, really it's months now, he asks me what's the deal with me and dead people. LOL! It's a science class about matter and how matter behaves. He's a chemical physicist from Harvard and, well, he just doesn't believe in ADC and there is nothing more to it, period.

Later he told me he lost his 35 year old son three years ago to luekemia. He said he feels his son's presence around him but he knows it's just his brain generating memories of what it felt like when his son was there, and I'm not going to argue with him. He's a nice man who had no intention of ridiculing me, he's just not willing to go there.

So now I'm "out" at school and the reaction is mixed, like it is everywhere I guess. LOL

[Phigalilly]

Jeez, this got really complicated. All I wanted to do was add an "er" on the end of "Stein" and I ended up with two posts! LOL If one of our lovely moderators would be so kind as to fix my big mess, maybe just add the "er" to the original message and delete the rest, me and my big red face would greatly appreciate it.

[Gail]

It's been done and the er has been added. :)

[Phigalilly]

(((Gail))) Thanks :)

[rvt2mt]

:hmm:
Randon thoughts on comfort level;
1. i am never completely open. Sometimes say 'I'm Methodist' if asked. Sometimes a hint. JEfriends is my fist attempt at finding others, in a long time.
2a. I live in LA, they are just as provincial and bigoted, there are just more of them.
2b. So, while you can, find like minds near, you also have to be careful who knows.
2c. How i long for small town. BTW, my bigoted brother lives in Arkansaw. Hope he never finds out.
3. I even have a job chosen because it camoflages my psi. Funny how being a massage therapist has solved my problem. I don't get called a 'healer' any more. And i like it that way.
4. I'm almost closeted. Famly tradition
5. Yep, my family was the hardest on me. Funny because i am the daughter of identical twins, so a certain amount of extra communication is always happening, even if they don't admit it.
6. BTW, I'm not a medium. It must be harder with ADC.
7. I am so glad JE is Catholic, it makes it a little safer to open up.
That;s it for my,
K

[rvt2mt]

Now that ADC is all over the TV, it might get easier...

Ok, 4th answer; ---> " I'm a closet believer; I don't tell most people.":hmm:

1. Any oddness could hurt my income. 2. For me, it is also, Sooo many years of being told NO! :angel: Ironically by parents, with natural Clair. skills. :laff2: 3. But, other talents often spot me. Even then, we rarely mention it openly. Even to each other. It is just, tradition, the way it has always been conducted, politely. :thumbsup: So, from other threads... :D
[about Ghost Whisperer] ... I felt that she should have figured out a way to tell people what she can do without freaking them out and making them angry while she has tears in her eyes because they don't understand. She has grown up with this talent and should be able to deal with the spirits who visit her as well. ...I don't think anyone has a good way to tell new people. And, growing up with it, sometimes, makes it harder. :( because you have so much more practice Not telling.
...She [Mary Jo McCabe] started of by introducing herself and gave us a brief history of how she came about her gift. She doesn't like to be called psychic but rather intuitive and when someone asks her what she does, she tells them she's an author. ;)... JennyIntuitive; classy I like that, -K

[Fairiedust]

Well,

I don't stand on a little box on the street corner and yell my views across the street or mug the poor guy down the alley for an audience, but it's fairly easy to get into comfortable conversations.

It's kind of funny. You test the water, the other person is also testing the waters, and you both might be sending out even more nervous vibes. Ramping up the adrenaline for a quick get a way just in case someone might call us nuts. You will always be a closet person if one of you don't jump in and take a chance, even if it's your big toe.

I think you would be surprised how many people are open to psychic stuff but don't want to stick out that toe. You watch each others eyes or body language and send out even more signals.

So, are we really not talking to the right people? (did that make sense?)

I've gotten into some great conversations that I didn't expect from a particular person or persons. Everyone, sometime in their life has been visited by something loopy in the world psychic stuff.

What I meant to say, I will dicuss anything with anybody EXCEPT the particulars between midnight and six when we're supposed to be sleeping.

FD. Don't talk......share.

[Irish rose]

I do not have a problem with who knows about my beliefs, all of my workmate know I have even brought Johns books into work and they have been lent to so many people they are worn out. Many of my workmates are big followers of John now and think it is great that I have this site to go on and be able to talk to all you likeminded people.My family also know and a few of them think Johns great. I do not really care what people think I believe as long as you are not hurting anyone well whats the problem. I am actually going to see an english medium named Derek Acorah in a big venue in Belfast next week, Icannot wait Ilove the atmosphere and the feeling of pure love in the room.Rose :thumbsup:

[Ancestor]

I tell only those whom I can feel are open to my way of thinking whether they believe the same or differently from what I believe. I can sense those whom won't have a problem with the way I believe. Some people have been so negative towards my beliefs that I do not need to absorb their negativity. I have not yet learned to fully cleanse myself of those energies that are harmful to me. Personally it would be if we could let me just follow their own spiritual paths.

[Ksuerah]

How lovely that I should stumble upon this thread. I moved far from home about a year ago and have had MUCH trouble finding anything metaphysical. I had no computer or friends so I started at the local library (keep the mind active) only to be met with we don't have much of "that". Second off to the book store, ok I'll just have to buy, only to be met with oh we don't "dabble" in "that". No groups, no clubs, no discussions. I could hardly believe I found a place on earth that won't acknowledge life after death or any psychic beliefs at all. So I just started talking to anyone and everyone I came across in a friendly conversation. Just sorta putting it out there that this is part of my belief system just to see if I would get a me too answer. Well so far not much luck localy however now I have computer access and I promise when I do find a batch of people that atleast have an open mind I'm going to bring this little town up to date. I have to believe that these people are out there and are having the same trouble I'm having. What a team we'll make and friends for sure. Shout from the roof tops people some of us will listen in fact are waiting!
So yes, I'm very open and with whomever will listen. I have nothing to loose this town thinks everyones crazy as it is.
-Please excuse the spelling it's late.
much love to all -Sue

[BigDaddy_GFS]

For me, ti depends on the specific topic, and in what context the question is put into. I'm not a devoutly religious person, but I have a lot of spiritual beleifs and theories.
I tend to feel a person out, pick their brain before bringing up such topics.

[Dawn]

Well, for me, it took some major life experiences early on to get me thinking about spiritual matters. It wasn't until I lost my Dad (the center of my universe and my rock, whom I thought was just always gonna be there) that my interests started to turn towards spirituality. I was hit with such amazing signs and always wanted to know just where it was that Dad went after he left this planet. Then I found John's work a few years later and took it to the next level. Now I'm starting to learn even more through Tarot and will be getting my first Reiki attunement in October (can't wait!!!). So over the years, my comfort level sure has risen...pretty much everyone I know knows I'm into "this stuff". Would I talk to someone I don't know about it? If it somehow came up in conversation, sure! And if someone asks me about JE, they better have a seat 'cause they're in for a loooong conversation:D

"Don't talk, share...." I like that, Bea!:thumbsup: