How important?

[~J-3]

How important do you feel it is to adhere to a particular path? And to study the literature that goes with that path closely? I am in a place where I read what I am drawn to, sometimes (most times) it has nothing to do with whatever it was that I went to the book store/ library/ internet for...but it is something that I desperately need at that particular time. The same is true of television (funny as it seems)...I turn on exactly what I need to see or what goes along with the inner lesson at hand. Although sometimes doubt creeps in on this 'unstructured' path and has to be shaken. What do you think? Learn from the outside in or the inside out or both?

[Rainx]

I don't feel there's any necessity to adhere to a specific path. If you find a path doesn't suit you, find a new path. It's important to avoid "mockingbird syndrome" (that is, tendency to randomly pick pretty sparkly bits of religions or cultures rather then choosing things based on deep consideration and/or research), but I don't think that's a result of not adhering to a specific path as much as not using one's brain and heart to choose something.

I say as long as it makes sense to you and is based in some time and effort in research, consideration, belief, etc. then you can't go too wrong.

[Psyche Ague]

Being the "Watery" person that I am, I don't feel the need to "adhere" to one, strict Path. I think faith and beliefs are fluid. Because of this, I find labels unsatisfactory and even binding.

I think that it is natural, healthy, and even necessary to question one's beliefs because if we do not, we can truly be considered dogmatists. To believe blindly without question is, I daresay, unhealthy for one's spiritual health.

I also believe it is important to learn all one can about one's Faith. Of course! If you do not know what you are talking about, how can you know that you have chosen the right Path for you?

With regards to learning from the outside in versus from the inside out, I think you have to pursue what you're drawn to. If someone mentions something, find out what you can about it. Who knows? Perhaps you'll find it suits you. If it doesn't, you'll at least know what you can rule out.

[~J-3]

I agree. I sort of feel more like my path is choosing me right now...like it is about that flow and that pull...like feeling around for the next step instead of having someone tell me specifically what it is...it's like a hunch with validations...like a silent nudge...

[Xentor]

My mind won't allow me to stay with the same subject for a long time. I'd think a thousand thoughts a minute, without the ability to track them all.

Same goes for following a path. I read what draws my attention. I study what attracts me. I will study in detail, from several points of view and in overview as well.

My attention span reaches a maximum of 1.5 hours. This is too long to be classified a disorder. But you don't see me playing the same music, reading the same material, studying the same books over 1.5 hours.

I rehearse the same music untill I "get it". Then it starts boring me. I seldomly read a book more than once.

Thus, I look for things that are diverse in nature. Things that fall under one label, but still are diverse enough to keep my interest. That holds true for my job, my hobbies, my studies and yes, even for my path.

[Lady Jade]

I think the right path is different for everyone. Myself, my interests dictate the path. As I stumble along, I find my feet take me to where I need to be. Like others, sometimes the path is laid right in front of you; a book, problem, or person presents and it becomes evident this is the way to follow. I do find that intensive study for me is best. Learn one thing, learn it well, then branch out, always growing.........