Instant Gratification

Instant gratification is a bit like instant oatmeal, just add water and you have something that is nourishing, for a moment, but it does not last.

There have been a few discussions out here that have mentioned instant gratification and the effects it has on the Pagan movement, but in my eyes, it has not been discussed at great length.

I know that there are many Pagans who have the attitude of "I want what I want and I want it now!" There is not a problem with this attitude, for the most part, but where I take issue is when this attitude comes into conflict with spiritual practices that this type of attitude will not adhere too, examples are traditions that take more than the attention span of a 2 year old to understand and learn.

I admit that, at times, I do have the attitude "I want what I want and I want it now." I am human after all. How do I combat this? By understanding the long term results of fully understanding what I am doing, on my own personal spiritual path.

I am also going to address this issue of Native Americans, and their spiritual life, that is if they have one. I am a wee bit tired of individuals saying that others have shit on Native American traditions, when in some cases Native Americans are not even actively practicing their spiritual path. Tell me something. How is that desecrating their spiritual path? I do understand the whole profiting off of the Native American name, or tribe, and I think that is just utter chicken droppings. I can not stand un-authentic people let alone con artists, which I see individuals who profit off of any spiritual practice that they have not be educated about.

So let us open up a bit of a discussion about this problem of instant gratification, in regards, to the Pagan movement. How bad do all of you think this issue is? Is this issue something that can be remedied, and if it can not be remedied can it be at least herded into a nice little paddock? Also, do any of you see instant gratification beyond not understanding traditions, and spiritual practices?

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Permalink Reply by By the Beat of My Own Drum on November 6, 2009 at 5:07pm: Paganism is an umbrella term including many practices and beliefs. So unless you can define exactly what paths are pagan and which are not....how can you say that it is not about someone's specific path?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Waterdragon315 on November 5, 2009 at 6:05pm: I don't think the issue is actually instant gratification asmuch as it is a desire for an instant magical release from personal responsibility and/or cause and effect.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Char on November 5, 2009 at 6:40pm: Just like that bowl of oatmeal, it fills you up for a while and then you are hungry again searching for your next meal.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by PamWiccan on November 5, 2009 at 7:00pm: Like I have stated so many times before and will again. Each and everyone of has the right to our own belief.

If we are doing something wrong that is on us and no one else. It is good to learn and listen. That is how to attain knowledge.

I find their is no instant gratification unless you know it all and I find their is no one that fits the bill.

As far as the Native American Spirituality goes, they have the right to practice as they see fit. It is their culture and belief. If I am misunderstanding the point of this thread forgive me but this is how I feel.

BB; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Miss Anne Thrope on November 5, 2009 at 7:15pm: That is a better way of putting it Waterdragon. Thank you.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Arachneh on November 6, 2009 at 6:03pm: Also, do any of you see instant gratification beyond not understanding traditions, and spiritual practices?

Another observation, recently highlighted: the need (or perceived need) for constant change and stimulation to keep things vital. IMO, this is confusing entertainment with self-work.

Constant change generates dilettantism; mastery needs practice. No consistency = no real progress.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by jason on November 6, 2009 at 6:10pm: I admit that, at times, I do have the attitude "I want what I want and I want it now."

I would add "and I want it always, I want it in endless excessive amounts". If the gratification is forever, secured, and has "endless amounts of reward" it should be initiated immediately right? that's more efficient.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Amber Rose Potter on November 9, 2009 at 1:26am: I am with the majority is saying that instant gratification is a largely cultural and national phenomenon more than a specifically Pagan issue. I think that the separation of spirituality from our everyday lives is the source of the problem, and most modern-day religion seems to only aggravate the issue. People will attempt any means necessary to find instant gratification, whether it be the drive through window or a ready-made spell purchased over the internet. I think the underlying point here is that you cannot meet your goals with success unless you have the intelligence and motivation to make it happen. Take my drive through window and ready-made spell example for instance: If you do not have the intelligence to drive the car or the motivation to get there, you will never place your order. If you do not have the intelligence to understand magic or the motivation to perform the ritual, you will never see any results. This is why knowledge is power. :)

Materialism is a gross understatement of existence.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gary ~Mit Leib und Seele~ on November 9, 2009 at 3:04am: Nothing beats the instant gratification promise Christianity makes. "Just accept Jesus and all your sins are forgiven" Now thats faster than opening a pack of cookies.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Aikaterine Nekyia on November 14, 2009 at 11:33am: Amen to that, Der Hahn! Especially the Fundie morons who think they can be a jerk all week long and then get on their knees Sunday, get forgiveness, and do the same thing the rest of the week.; ▶ Reply to This