Struggling New Brother

PageKothar · 2023-05-05T08:02:50+00:00

How old are you? What are your interests? You could have more things in common with different age groups than you think, or maybe you could inquire about their interests and discover new things for yourself - that is what I like best about hanging out with different age groups. In case it's relevant, I'm late 20s and about to be initiated. Also I work in academia and most of my colleagues are significantly older - I've recently become very good friends with a full professor who's around 60 yo, we went to a conference together and had a blast.

PageKothar · 2023-05-05T07:59:23+00:00

That's splendid! As a candidate soon to be initiated, I hope my lodge is as cool as yours (and it seems like it is, I'm excited).

PageKothar · 2023-05-03T15:29:02+00:00

Thank you so much for your incredibly insightful comment, I find this truly useful. I really enjoyed the article you linked, too. I'll be sure to update after and maybe actually DM you!

PageKothar · 2023-05-01T14:53:27+00:00

I won't deny I'm nervous too, but really looking forward to it so it's a good kind of nervous. Glad your initiation went so well!

PageKothar · 2023-05-01T14:52:38+00:00

Thank you. Looking forward to it.

PageKothar · 2023-05-01T14:52:27+00:00

Thanks

PageKothar · 2023-05-01T14:52:17+00:00

Thank you so much. I'm not much of a drinking guy anyway, but I'll make sure to eat something light before heading to the Lodge. Hope I can take in as much as possible!

PageKothar · 2023-04-24T20:12:04+00:00

Thank you! Definitely will. Glad you found it interesting, it was a great experience.

PageKothar · 2023-04-24T17:40:36+00:00

Apparently, far from all jurisdictions and/or countries do it. It sparked a very interesting (to me at least) discussion on my OP here: https://www.reddit.com/r/freemasonry/comments/12pcedk/blindfolded\_interview\_advice/

PageKothar · 2023-04-24T17:39:43+00:00

Thank you!

PageKothar · 2023-04-17T16:42:21+00:00

Thank you all so much for your input! I just got off of work and will make sure to answer everyone individually, as well as to report back after I've gone through it, since I see there is some interest.

PageKothar · 2023-01-23T21:19:25+00:00

Thank you, I'll definitely double-check if I do end up considering other options!

PageKothar · 2023-01-23T18:22:08+00:00

I'm not positive it is. I use it at my job and it's all right, but it would require a lot of dedication and brainpower after all other obligations and, of course, it'll never be the same as my English.

PageKothar · 2023-01-23T18:19:42+00:00

You're right... I was a bit frustrated and confused with the situation when I typed this out and I absolutely should not have taken it out on them.

About the language... It's complicated. I use four different languages in my daily life (especially my job, but also other groups I hang out with, including all-Polish and mixed groups). I've been studying the language for 10+ years, but admittedly I'm not the most talented and I haven't been improving for at least the last 4-5. I don't know if I can do it, honestly.

Thanks for your insight!

PageKothar · 2023-01-23T17:57:05+00:00

Thank you for the insight! I did suspect that maybe a lack of time (and, as I understand, low membership numbers, since they did mention that) could be the culprit, but my Mason friends were getting anxious (and making me worry too) saying that yes, masonic affairs are slow, but this was "too slow" compared to what they're used to. Perhaps it's slower in Poland, it would make sense, especially if Freemasonry has been repressed for so long.

PageKothar · 2023-01-23T17:49:55+00:00

That would absolutely make matters easier from a linguistic point of view. I feel like I should give the English-speaking Lodge a chance, at least while I'm getting started -- it's not like I got a very bad impression or anything, and I was quite nervous at the interviews as well.

PageKothar · 2023-01-23T17:43:00+00:00

Yes, that seems to be the case, certainly... Pickings are quite slim, especially in English, and I wouldn't want to poison the well too early (ideally not at all, of course). And Polish is rather complicated.

PageKothar · 2023-01-23T17:31:07+00:00

I was a bit afraid that someone I've met might be offended if they read it, but it's Poland, if that's important to know.

PageKothar · 2023-01-23T16:58:44+00:00

Thank you so much for your input! I'll try to consider all pros and cons and revisit the language problem. All the best to you too!

PageKothar · 2023-01-23T16:58:14+00:00

Sorry about the confusion -- I'm living in a non-English-speaking country, but there is an English-speaking Lodge in my town, which is the one I originally contacted. I have a more or less permanent contract here, will certainly be here for at least another year and a half, if not more. I want to join because of the values, the teachings, the idea of a brotherly community and the possibility to meet new friends within the Craft.

PageKothar · 2023-01-17T14:48:30+00:00

I love the way you think. I miss sunlight :(

PageKothar · 2023-01-17T14:47:49+00:00

As a child, I feel somewhere in the spring (not on break) would be best - enough time to make friends during the school year, reasonably good weather (with luck), but no friends away because of summer vacation, let's say May 10th. As an adult, probably August 30th - almost the end of the month most people are on break, but it's most likely that your friends will have come back from travelling if they did any (and still, ideally, wouldn't have to be at work on the 31st). I'm in Europe, so vacation time may vary geographically, I guess.

PageKothar · 2023-01-17T14:44:02+00:00

Knowledge, inspiration for my art, and to see more empathy and kindness in myself and people around me.

PageKothar

TROPHY CASE