When Do I Feel Most Alive?

For the next few weeks, I will have to answer some very general open ended questions, although some will be related to religion. For my first question, I have to answer "when do I feel most alive?"

The idea of feeling alive is something that is very important to me. I am a very spontaneous, rebellious, impulsive person, which may stem from my absolute fear of death. I have decided from a young age that I want to live my life to the fullest (to be cliche) and not let anything stand in my way. 

I feel most alive when it's summertime. When I'm driving down a short beach road, in a small beach town, with all my windows open, Calvin Harris' Summer blasting, and the salty air tearing through my hair. I feel most alive when I'm in the middle of a bar or club, dancing with my best friends, and singing along to the lyrics of the most recent pop song. I feel most alive when I'm driving down the highway going 90 or above while I keep my eyes peeled for cops and the adrenaline is pumping through my veins. I feel most alive when I'm running down a soccer field with a ball at my feet, with a thirst to score. I feel most alive when I'm with people. When I'm with my people. When I'm with my best friend and she's making me laugh and I'm holding my sides because they hurt, but the pain is so worth it. I feel alive when I'm snuggling with my boyfriend and we're talking about the future. I feel most alive when I'm hanging out in NYC, walking around Central Park, sneaking around the Plaza, and searching for the greatest views, the most incredible art, and the most divine food. I feel alive in a lot of instances, but it's typically when I'm doing things that make me feel happy or comfortable. However, I also feel alive when I push past my comfort zone and try new things, like when I took an 8 hour plane ride to France when I'm terrified of flying. I love feeling alive. And when the day comes for me to die, I know I will feel absolutely lost. 

As far as religion goes, I actually feel the least alive when I am sitting in a church listening to my pastor speak about a dead white guy (no offense Jesus). I love my pastor. I love my church. I love the community and the people, but it's not something that makes me feel crazy alive. I feel alive when I feel spiritual. Sometimes in church I do get spiritual feelings, but when I'm doing yoga I get a much stronger feeling of spirituality that makes me feel happy, calm, and peaceful. 

-Alicia Franklin  

My Experiences with Religion

Hello!

And welcome to my blog! I have been asked to create a blog for my Philosophy class where we will be focusing on religious studies. 

I do not know very much about different religions and would like to learn more. I grew up as a Christian Protestant, which I feel is very similar to Catholicism. However, when I have attended Catholic funerals, I have noticed slight differences especially in ceremonies. 

Lately, I have been questioning my own religion, which is why I want to learn more about other religions. I want to see if my beliefs line up with another religion. I also feel that religion drives a lot of conflict and war. Therefore, I want to start to understand other cultures through their religion in order to comprehend why war begins and what people are fighting about. 

I hope you enjoy!

-Alicia Franklin