You've probably already done this, but one of the things that helped me undo the belief that my experiences were related to something supernatural was to study the biological root of those experiences. I'm a bit too embarrassed to go into specifics about some of the experiences I had, but I now know that the times I thought god was talking to me had a very simple explanation. Trust, me I know what you're going through. My de-conversion process was extremely painful at times. But it has been worth every moment of anguish.

(October 31, 2011 at 6:14 pm)Phaedra Wrote: You've probably already done this, but one of the things that helped me undo the belief that my experiences were related to something supernatural was to study the biological root of those experiences. I'm a bit too embarrassed to go into specifics about some of the experiences I had, but I now know that the times I thought god was talking to me had a very simple explanation. Trust, me I know what you're going through. My de-conversion process was extremely painful at times. But it has been worth every moment of anguish.

I don't mean to pry but if you (or anyone else) have any internet links about the psychology/biology aspects of this I'd appreciate it. Especially those related to god talking to me. God I feel like a nut. Perhaps I ought to shut up and eat an Almond Joy candy bar. Ugh!

Well first I'll ask you this: are they hallucinations? Or is it more of a strong feeling?

There should be no experiential knowledge that would convince you of a God, those would be superstitions that you're holding on to.

(October 31, 2011 at 6:34 pm)Phaedra Wrote: Well first I'll ask you this: are they hallucinations? Or is it more of a strong feeling?

Technically speaking I suppose they were both. I've had premonitions for years. when I was 11 years old I was on top of one of the world trade towers. I had a premonition that it was going to come down and the other one as well. I heard the screaming and felt the building shake. I have a plausible psychological explanation for this but not for the many other premonitions I have had.

BTW I have a degree in Psychology, unfortunately when I went to school Behaviorism was still popular so much of my education in psychology is pretty much useless unless I want to go into animal training.

(October 31, 2011 at 6:55 pm)Phaedra Wrote: Would you be ok with simply not knowing what causes the premonitions? Why ascribe them to god?

some premonitions are explainable. some I have difficulty with. It's your subconscious having a party in your head.

For example if anyone remembers the story of the 1900 hurricane in Galveston Texas. Issac what's his name's brother (Issac was the weatherman who wrongly predicted the hurricane and though he really can't be blamed for much given the pathetic instruments and data he had he is held responsible for the over 6000 deaths caused by the storm because he didn't give the order to evacuate) had a premonition that something horrible was going to happen. In that situation all the subconscious clues were there but there was a lot of denial about hurricanes at that time. The denial was such that the most plausible explanation for the bad weather was that it was just a bad storm not a hurricane. Issac what's his name wrote a paper about how it was impossible for hurricanes to hit Texas.

Anyway, when a hurricane is approaching slight clues are there to suggest that this isn't any ordinary storm. the air smells different, it kind of smells like a tropical island, it's hard to explain. The wind comes in bands but when it comes it is steady. there are gusts with the steady wind but something is very discomforting about the steady winds that don't shift in direction. You see birds that you don't usually see. Often these birds appear to be exhausted. When the storm gets closer these birds disappear. The sky is a different color the cloud cover odd looking and the waves are high for no aparent reason (if you don't know a hurricane is approaching.) The high waves roll into shore in an odd manner -somewhat steady. If you are on low ground you notice a storm surge. There are other little clues as well

These little clues stick in your subconscious. It's not enough to piece together into something verbal. Soon there is enough in your subconscious that it erupts in your conscious as a bad feeling or perhaps an image. Words to explain it are difficult but you know something is wrong.

If you want to PM me, I'd be happy to discuss it with you. I never had premonitions of that nature, but I did have other "supernatural" experiences.

(October 31, 2011 at 7:20 pm)Phaedra Wrote: If you want to PM me, I'd be happy to discuss it with you. I never had premonitions of that nature, but I did have other "supernatural" experiences.

Either or, again I have said that I am comfortable with it. I have made peace with it. The present is still a bit difficult but I have reason to believe that I will work this out as well (no this is not a premonition it is a logical deduction based on past experiences). Anyway our back and forth might be useful to others deconverting. Perhaps one day I ought to write a book about this. for anyone else It might enlighten them. They can see what deconverts go through and, perhaps why converts are as steadfast the face of facts as they are. This is real shit.

I will have to leave the forum for tonight. it's Halloween and darkness is approaching. I have got to take my daughter round to go trick or treating.