The hottest Spirituality Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

THE NEW MARK

Unbound β€’ 585 implied HN points β€’ 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling Personal narrative Spirituality Identity Transformation
  1. Mark is an incredible storyteller who captivates everyone around him with his tales from the past. His ability to draw listeners in shows the power of sharing personal experiences.
  2. During a moment of storytelling, he seemed to transform, showing different ages of himself all at once. It was a fascinating glimpse into the depth of a person's life and identity.
  3. The experience made the observer feel a deep connection and understanding of Mark as a whole person, beyond just his current state. This highlights how we often overlook the complexity of those around us.

Places to intervene in a system

Subconscious β€’ 1423 implied HN points β€’ 18 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Systems theory Spirituality Ethics
  1. Intervening in a system can be done through different levels of influence, starting from simple changes like adjusting parameters to deeper shifts like altering mindsets.
  2. All systems are creations of our thoughts and perspectives, meaning we can change how we view these systems, which can influence outcomes.
  3. True change often requires patience and may not show immediate results, so focusing on inner transformation is essential for meaningful progress.

The Vagabond King

The Abbey of Misrule β€’ 657 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 25
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Theology Spirituality Culture Politics
  1. Christianity and modern civilization often clash. Many argue they can't be reconciled because current society prioritizes wealth, power, and politics over Christ's teachings.
  2. Living a Christ-like life means focusing on love, humility, and caring for the poor, rather than seeking worldly power or material success.
  3. True change comes from within communities through genuine faith and action, not through top-down coercive efforts to build a 'Christian civilization'.
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Letter to Future Dissidents

Tessa Fights Robots β€’ 35 implied HN points β€’ 27 May 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Social theory Spirituality Human behavior
  1. Being a dissident can feel lonely because you see things that others don't. It's tough when you want to fit in but feel different from everyone around you.
  2. Sometimes, when you start speaking your truth, you might find that the world doesn't want to hear it. It can be disappointing when your insights aren't accepted right away.
  3. In the fight for freedom and truth, you may face betrayal from those you trust. It's important to stay true to your values and keep going, even when things get tough.

understanding pain, mental illness, and grief

Midnight Musings β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 11 Sep 24
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Mental health Pain management Therapy Spirituality
  1. Pain happens when there's a mismatch between how we think things should be and how they actually are. It's like a warning sign from our brain telling us to rethink our beliefs.
  2. Mental illness can be seen as our struggle to deal with pain in a healthy way. Anxiety might come from fearing that pain, while depression can stem from being unable to accept our current situation.
  3. Grief starts when we adjust our beliefs to match our experiences. It's a complex emotion, but it's a part of being human and shows our understanding of life's unpredictability.

The Ego Doesn't Die: Why Western spirituality is so confused, and what to do about it

The Bigger Picture β€’ 3175 implied HN points β€’ 14 Sep 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Transformation
  1. Reality is relational, and mystical experiences are about changing how we relate to the world.
  2. Spiritual transformation is not about the ego dying, but about widening our perspective and how we relate to everything around us.
  3. Framing inner transformation as relational rather than focused on the ego object can lead to richer and more complex spiritual experiences.

The Tragic View of Life v. Spirituality

Castalia β€’ 499 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jun 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Existentialism Spirituality Materialism Ethics
  1. Spirituality suggests there's a guiding intelligence in life, making events feel purposeful. Many people express spiritual ideas even if they're not religious.
  2. The tragic view of life sees meaning in the absurdity of existence, emphasizing courage in facing life's challenges without relying on a higher power.
  3. There's an ongoing debate between believing in spiritual guidance or accepting life's chaos. It can be more fulfilling to find strength in life's struggles than to search endlessly for meaning.

I've known revival

Sarah Bessey's Field Notes β€’ 3144 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Revival Renewal Spirituality Church God
  1. Revivals can hold deep significance in shaping one's spiritual life, but may not always have lasting impact.
  2. Experiencing doubt and humility can lead to personal revivals that are more profound than traditional revivals.
  3. The search for revival should involve reflection, understanding biases, and a focus on justice and positive change.

Into the Woods

Cosmographia β€’ 898 implied HN points β€’ 28 Mar 24
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Nature Spirituality
  1. The woods evoke a childlike wonder, making us feel small and allowing our minds to wander freely in a peaceful environment.
  2. In today's society, humans spend very little time connecting with nature, emphasizing the importance of taking time to venture into the woods and away from modern distractions.
  3. Exploring the woods brings a sense of tranquility and a break from the busyness of daily life, encouraging us to disconnect from screens and immerse ourselves in the natural world.

In response to those who are concerned about my general criticism of the counter-culture movement...

Through A Glass Darkly β€’ 1356 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jan 24
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Religion Philosophy Therapy
  1. The author discusses the origins and influences of the counter-culture movement.
  2. There is a caution against blindly following teachings without critical thinking.
  3. The importance of discerning between healthy and destructive approaches to spirituality and mental well-being is highlighted.

A Defence of Hate

Becoming Noble β€’ 2232 implied HN points β€’ 01 Sep 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Religion Identity Spirituality Morality
  1. Hatred, when directed at evil and not individuals, can be a powerful force for rejecting what is harmful.
  2. According to philosophers like Aquinas and Nietzsche, properly understanding and harnessing hatred involves recognizing its role in opposing evil.
  3. It's crucial to distinguish between hating evil actions and hating individuals, as the former is aligned with rejecting what is harmful while the latter can be destructive.

When I say I believe in God

Sasha's 'Newsletter' β€’ 347 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 25
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Belief Religion Spirituality Personal Growth Self-discovery
  1. Believing in God can start suddenly and unexpectedly, sometimes triggered by self-discovery moments. It’s a personal journey that can evolve over time.
  2. Understanding oneself better, like through personality tests, can lead to deeper realizations about life and beliefs. Self-awareness is key to personal growth.
  3. Explaining spiritual beliefs can be challenging, as they are often complex and deeply personal. Everyone's experience with faith is unique.

Beginnings and enchantments

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie β€’ 2116 implied HN points β€’ 05 Apr 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Nature Writing
  1. Moving into a new house can be disruptive but redecorating and making it your own can be joyful and rewarding.
  2. Returning to a place where you feel a sense of belonging can bring a profound feeling of being at home, even after many years.
  3. Exploring familiar landscapes and being close to family can bring a sense of ancestral connection and understanding of oneself.

Gnosticism: Inversions

Secretum Secretorum β€’ 606 implied HN points β€’ 11 Dec 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Spirituality Theology Metaphysics Ethics
  1. Gnosticism focuses on seeking knowledge and self-discovery, rather than blind faith. It believes understanding who we are and where we come from is the key to spiritual liberation.
  2. Gnostics had a very different view of traditional figures, often seeing them in an oppositional light. They believed that the mainstream teachings were a form of deception and celebrated figures like the serpent or Judas as misunderstood heroes, emphasizing personal experience over established doctrine.
  3. Many Gnostic teachings involved breaking away from societal norms and moral restrictions. This led to controversial practices and beliefs about liberation being found through transgressions against established moral codes, although the full reality of these practices is still debated among scholars.

Panic In Zanzibar: Nocturnal Sodomy & Demon-Bats

Grey Goose Chronicles β€’ 1041 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Anthropology History Spirituality Folklore Politics
  1. In Zanzibar, a collective panic occurred in 1995 due to reports of attacks by a shape-shifting spirit called Popobawa, resulting in violence and fear among residents.
  2. The Popobawa legend is a complex mix of political tensions, taboo sexual elements, supernatural beliefs, and historical legacies, making it challenging to interpret.
  3. The phenomenon of the Popobawa offers insights into Zanzibar's history, culture, and divisions, reflecting how fears and stories can have real-world impacts on communities.

Making Peace with God

The Reclamation Era β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jul 24
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Religion Nostalgia Self-discovery
  1. Revisiting childhood places can be a powerful way to find healing and connection. It helps you reconnect with your past and feel a sense of belonging.
  2. Not every church or place you remember will welcome you as you expect. Sometimes, you might face locked doors, but that doesn't stop the journey of self-discovery.
  3. Feeling emotions like peace and nostalgia is natural when you reflect on your past. These feelings can help you recognize how you've grown and found your own sense of spirituality.

The Naked Potential of 2024: Democracy, Chaos and Creativity

rebelwisdom β€’ 1002 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Politics Philosophy Art Spirituality Science
  1. 2024 is a year with significant democratic elections worldwide, highlighting a growing apathy and distrust in the democratic process.
  2. The tension between centralized control and decentralized, regenerative movements is intensifying, leading to a clash of ideologies and perspectives in society.
  3. There is a growing movement towards seeking new ways of being and thinking, challenging existing structures and norms in society.

Do you want to be well?

Sarah Bessey's Field Notes β€’ 1709 implied HN points β€’ 28 Mar 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Healing Transformation Hope Imagination
  1. Jesus asked 'Do you want to be well?' - a powerful question for introspection and transformation.
  2. Choosing hope, making difficult choices, and embracing agency are key to healing and well-being.
  3. There are forces benefitting from our despair, so it's important to challenge resignation and work towards communal healing.

Homing tendencies

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie β€’ 1837 implied HN points β€’ 04 Mar 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth Spirituality Hope Connection Belonging
  1. Moving homes can trigger deep-rooted anxieties, stemming from disrupting the safe sanctuary one has spent years creating.
  2. The concept of 'home' is a complex mix of physical shelter, emotional security, and a place where one can always return to, and the fear of losing it can be deeply ingrained from childhood.
  3. Transitioning between homes can bring about self-reflection, exploration of uncertainties, and a mix of emotions, but it also offers opportunities for growth and new beginnings.

Longer Meme

Do Not Research β€’ 559 implied HN points β€’ 18 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Memes Enlightenment Capitalism Spirituality
  1. Critiques societal norms and references Joker and Margaret Thatcher's views on society.
  2. Explores hypothetical scenarios about society's development with imaginative and detailed scenarios.
  3. Societyiftextwall is a project that delves into utopian ideals and historical questioning, aiming to counter negative memesphere trends.

β€œStop using wild San Pedro”: 5 Questions for Josip Orlovac Del Río

The Microdose β€’ 845 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Spirituality Conservation
  1. San Pedro, a cactus containing mescaline, is threatened by factors like poaching and climate change.
  2. It's crucial for communities to cultivate their own medicine to build a sustainable relationship with the plant.
  3. Global interest in psychedelics like San Pedro must be managed to protect both the plant and its cultural traditions.

Non-Ordinary Sensemaking: How to Navigate a New Reality

rebelwisdom β€’ 1552 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jun 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Consciousness Reality Spirituality Morality Metaphysics
  1. The more time we spend online, the more we risk being influenced by different states of consciousness.
  2. To effectively navigate different states of consciousness, we need 'state competence' and should learn to translate between them.
  3. Understanding cognition as embodied, embedded, enacted, and extended can help us adapt to different environments and perspectives.

In Case You Know Someone Who Is Dying, Has Died, or May Die in the Future

Think Future β€’ 738 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jan 24
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Death Afterlife Religions Spirituality Mysticism
  1. Different religions have exoteric and esoteric approaches to death and the afterlife, which influences their views on heaven and the divine.
  2. Mystic beliefs often emphasize the presence of the divine in everyday life and the idea that we are part of The Beyond, both while alive and after death.
  3. According to mystics, individuals reunite with the divine and loved ones after death, and their presence continues to impact the world through memories and teachings.

Teach us to Care and not to Care

The Joyous Struggle β€’ 632 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 24
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Religion Spirituality Faith Beliefs Philosophy
  1. On Ash Wednesday, the reminder of mortality through rituals like smudging ash can help us embrace the impermanence of life
  2. It's important to reflect on what truly matters in life, learning to care deeply about important things while also letting go of what is not worth our attention
  3. Exploring different spiritual paths and beliefs can be a lifelong journey of self-discovery and understanding

Cultivating the Heroic Spirit

Becoming Noble β€’ 1315 implied HN points β€’ 14 Oct 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Religion Sports Virtue Heroism
  1. Merely playing sports may not convey the full spectrum of virtue and spiritual experience sought; modern sports lack metaphysical significance and encounters with the transcendent.
  2. Sport is a vehicle for developing essential virtue, such as discipline and hardiness, which underpin the pursuit of higher goals.
  3. True sport is a fundamentally spiritual quest, calling for a connection between physicality and spirit, ultimately leading to transcending oneself through play, beauty, action, prayer, and devotion.

The Inner Life of the Future

The Joyous Struggle β€’ 1106 implied HN points β€’ 14 Nov 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Metaphysics Spirituality Consciousness Existentialism Ethics
  1. The future for humanity is often viewed through the concept of 'the third attractor,' which aims to divert the default trajectories of collapse and dystopia.
  2. The third attractor represents a disposition not to give up on the future, encompassing diverse visionary ideas for societal transformation and renewal.
  3. Attention to the 'third reality,' encompassing the inner subjective experience, and the cultivation of spiritual sensibility, is crucial for envisioning and shaping a more sustainable and meaningful future.