Skeptic from Aus

***sorry about the spacing and paragraphs this is my first post and I'm writing it on a mobile ****

Hi all,

I've been reading ATS for a few months now and have decided to
Create an account to get some advice. I'm a bit of a newb on the conspiracy
Scene, although from a young age I've never felt connected to the group think and I
Spent a lot of time when I was young looking into JFK and later 911

After starting with the big things then working my way through corporate
Corruption, big pharma, shadow government, then the more
Out there stuff like illuminati and satanic rituals I went through a period
Of change, where I felt like I was acquiring psychosis from the
Things I was reading! This incessant research at least a few hours a day
But I feel like I HAVE to keep reading, like one day I'll find the answer I'm looking for.

On the positive side, ive also explored religion, spirituality, science
Especially quantum physics and mechanics, alternative history, esoteric teachings
and been introduced to ideas
That never would have reached me had I not peered inside
The alternative community, and this side of things has bought be
Much peace and a sense of spiritual stability for the first time in my life.

ATS has raised some great points about the importance of good research,
Logical reasoning and discernment which was missing from my own
Search. I'm hoping the seasoned researchers here can point me in the
Right direction - I firmly believe I will never KNOW anything
For sure as all knowledge is grounded in our perception,
But the worst conspiracies are the most 'addictive' and the most
Dangerous and I worry I'm being lead into another fear trap.
Sometimes I find it hard to carry on with the mainstream lifestyle,
I feel like I'm unplugged from the MSM matrix but I'm struggling
To find an alternative lifestyle and fear I will give up and plug back in.

This online community has given my hope, that some day I will meet
People who understand me, don't think I'm nuts for looking beyond
The headlines, and will accept me for the free thinker I hope I am, or
Strive to be.

If anyone wants to get in touch to talk me through the best way to introduce
Myself to this world, and any tips and warnings it would be appreciated.

I also want to say that even though I've never met you, I love you all
And feel a kinship with you unlike any I have ever known. You give me hope.

Namaste xxxx

Doesn't sound like your a skeptic at all actually.

Skeptics like myself don't discount the possibility of anything yet we need 100% verification before we jump on board.

Basically if you can make an argument on either side then we feel its still inconclusive.

Perhaps you should change your way of thinking to that. Keep all options on the table but never assume anything.

Remember that this is a conspiracy site so when you see a leaf fall from a tree there will be someone saying its part of a grand NWO conspiracy to take over the world.

Perhaps it is or perhaps it isn't. Its always good to look for answers though.

Hello and Welcome!

Thanks for your input Hopechest, although I think you have a more specific definition of the word skeptic than I do. I don't mean I am a Skeptic with a capital S, I mean I'm skeptical of main stream media, authority, group think, stereotypes etc...
But I agree, you can never KNOW 100% either way, as I said in my introduction. I've read my share of Socrates and I agree that a wise man knows only that he knows nothing. I am skeptical even of my own perceptions and errors in logic which is why I came here for advice about how to research these things.

And yes, unfortunately some seem to think that they KNOW these things to occur when really they have faith that they do. I'm not looking for someone approve or deny the validity of the theories themselves because I will not be swayed in either direction, I merely need help knowing what nuggets to find, or methods of research and discernment. Where to find valid resources, verified facts. Logical fallacies to watch out for, etc.

But thanks for replying, and hope to see you around here
Namaste

reply to post by Night Star


Thanks night star! Beautiful pic.

reply to post by Seeker1984




Who are you?

reply to post by Seeker1984


You sound like your going through something similar to what I did a few years back when I started getting into all this stuff and though you may not need any advice I will throw this out there for you and anyone else going through similar issues. I'm only saying this because you mentioned psychosis.

If you get caught up in this stuff to the point you cannot turn back yourself, you are in for some tough times ahead. Be very careful about how you approach your research. I'm not saying this because I know everything, I am saying this because it took me around 3 years to recover from a bad experience which left me shattered concerning the very issues you are pointing out.

The research consumed me literally to the point it was everything in my life and the last thing I want to see is someone else going through what I did. Your mind is a very powerful tool and you should only take in what you can handle. Don't overload yourself because the end game is not a nice one for you and the people who care about you. Psychosis is one of those end games...

reply to post by DarknStormy


Thanks darkandstormy, the advice is welcome and appreciated I do worry that I'm overdoing it, because the information I'm getting isn't having any positive impact on my life, so now I try to read into things that amaze and inspire me and open my mind to new possibilities, but I still feel like I need to keep my finger on the pulse with breaking news and alternative opinion but it really is dark sometimes.

I would almost feel guilty if I didn't do it, like I'm being ignorant, or naive. Some of the evidence is damning and I find it hard to put it aside.

Did you throw yourself into positive pursuits, or make a conscious effort to cut back on time spent looking at this kin of information? Any tips you could give on finding a happy balance would be great. I certainly don't want to put my mental health in jeopardy, thinking and learning are my greatest joys and I'd hate to lose that, the mind is a powerful tool and I definitely don't want it working against me!

Thanks

reply to post by Akragon


Lol thanks akragon, that movie has always given me a very uneasy vibe, and that clip was no exception. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the existential undertones! And in response, I have absolutely no idea who I am, but I'm enjoying the journey of finding out, although I fear I may never know. Ce la vist!

reply to post by Akragon


So I just realized that nice light green font is a link...duh
And an interesting link, which resonates with me.. will read others replies with interest

Originally posted by Seeker1984
reply to post by DarknStormy

 

Thanks darkandstormy, the advice is welcome and appreciated

I do worry that I'm overdoing it, because the information I'm getting isn't having any positive impact on my life, so now I try to read into things that amaze and inspire me and open my mind to new possibilities, but I still feel like I need to keep my finger on the pulse with breaking news and alternative opinion but it really is dark sometimes.

Well initially the things I was researching didn't have a positive impact at all. Though there was nothing wrong with the research, I simply cooked myself and that is something that I don't want to see other people doing. I think it was more to do with me not being ready for that type of information also. Everyones different though.

I would almost feel guilty if I didn't do it, like I'm being ignorant, or naive. Some of the evidence is damning and I find it hard to put it aside.

Don't feel guilty because when it comes down to it, are you going to change anything? Just enjoy what your learning. One of the good things about coming to a website like this is people will help you out also. This website has taught me a lot and has also helped me with the things I struggled with earlier on. Look for the subjects your interested in an see what other people think also.

Did you throw yourself into positive pursuits, or make a conscious effort to cut back on time spent looking at this kin of information? Any tips you could give on finding a happy balance would be great. I certainly don't want to put my mental health in jeopardy, thinking and learning are my greatest joys and I'd hate to lose that, the mind is a powerful tool and I definitely don't want it working against me!

Thanks

I had no choice but to throw all my research away for a good year or so until I could come back with a clear mind. When I did, I worked out my mistakes and left them in the past. I will admit though the experience did teach me a lot about myself also and as much as it was a dark time, I would never change it. It was still an experience and a life lesson

Your mental health is more important than any information or research regardless of whether its truth or false. I didn't see my problem coming and that is the most dangerous part for anyone. I only seen it afterwards. All I can say is enjoy the ride but please be very careful.

reply to post by Seeker1984


Greetings!
Have a welcome ... Cake



Hope you enjoy your stay.
Glad you joined us
-nat the blue eyed cat-