The hottest Self-discovery Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Faith & Spirituality Topics

Insights from a Week-long Silent Retreat

Superb Owl • 4945 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Self-discovery Mindfulness Spiritual growth Personal Development
  1. Taking a break from information, like phones and books, can really clear your mind. After a few days, many thoughts are about the practice itself, which helps you focus more.
  2. Meditation can lead to strange experiences, like hallucinations or feelings of disappearing. These moments offer new insights but can also feel intense and overwhelming.
  3. Building trust with meditation teachers is important. Having friends who support your practice can make you feel safer and more open to deep meditation.

When I say I believe in God

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 347 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
⛪ 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.

An autogynephile walks into a reality check

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 1031 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Gender identity Social Dynamics Mental health Self-discovery
  1. A person may experience a sudden realization about their gender identity that challenges their current life situation. This can feel like a midlife crisis as they ponder big changes.
  2. Seeking different viewpoints about these feelings can lead to confusion. It might seem like a search for answers, but often it just adds to the uncertainty.
  3. Joining supportive communities can feel comforting, but sometimes it may lead to unrealistic expectations about one's identity and create pressure rather than relief.

"I am rich and have no idea what to do with my life"

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 2108 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Personal Finance Career Change Self-discovery Work-life balance
  1. Having a lot of money doesn't always bring happiness or purpose. It's common to feel lost even when you're financially secure.
  2. It’s important to confront your insecurities and challenges head-on. Personal growth often happens when we face difficult times.
  3. Learning for the sake of enjoyment, like studying physics, can be fulfilling. Sometimes, it's fine to not have a big plan and just focus on what makes you happy.

When Did You First Feel Like *Yourself*?

Culture Study • 1577 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Identity Self-discovery Personal Growth Society Community
  1. People often reflect on the moment they first felt truly themselves. It's a big question about self-identity.
  2. This journey to feeling like yourself can involve being comfortable with who you are, your looks, and your goals.
  3. Some may have taken active steps to become their true selves, while for others it might have been a natural progression.
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I could write my Magnum Opus but I simply go to bed

Subtle Digressions • 1019 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Personal Reflection Self-discovery Artistic Process Mental health
  1. It's normal to struggle with finding your creative path. Many people feel lost at times, especially when comparing themselves to others who seem successful.
  2. Writing takes time and effort. It's a skill that can be improved with practice, and it's okay to start small and build confidence over time.
  3. Sharing your writing can be scary, but it’s important to embrace vulnerability. Your voice matters, and it can connect with readers in a meaningful way.

"For you, the Grail."

What's Important? • 44 implied HN points • 31 May 25
📖 Philosophy Spirituality Consciousness Technology Mysticism Self-discovery
  1. Technology has a big role in our evolution and consciousness growth. It's important to consider how we use it wisely.
  2. The stories of the Knights Templar and their secrets remind us of the balance between power and free will. Using mystical knowledge should enrich our personal journeys, not take away our growth.
  3. Choosing our own path is essential. The real value lies in our unique experiences, and no technology or guide should replace our personal lessons in life.

Keeping body and soul together

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 3913 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mind-Body Connection Embodiment Self-discovery Healing
  1. Listening to our body is important for shedding light on psychological processes and living authentically.
  2. The body and soul are interconnected, and it's essential to integrate them for personal growth and healing.
  3. Bringing body and soul together involves recognizing the body as a collaborator and co-creator in our life journey.

The psychology of midlife

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 6689 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology Menopause Self-discovery Transition Emotions
  1. The midlife transition is a period of questioning and self-discovery, often coinciding with perimenopause, leading to existential angst and a search for meaning.
  2. Emotional correlates of the midlife transition can include a decline in happiness, aimlessness, self-doubt, boredom, and concerns about aging and death.
  3. Navigating the midlife transition involves embracing the challenges and exploring synchronicities, dreams, and solitude to find a new story and purpose in life.

In Partial Grudging Defense Of Some Aspects Of Therapy Culture

Astral Codex Ten • 9979 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Therapy Mental health Self-discovery Emotions Personal Growth
  1. Therapy culture emphasizes finding your true self and making changes if needed.
  2. Alexithymia can apply to emotions and preferences, making some individuals disconnected from themselves.
  3. Therapy culture may help individuals access their preferences, but it can also lead to false beliefs about a 'truer self'.

Until the Heart Catches

Neckar’s Notes • 129 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Emotions Mental health Self-discovery Grief Expression
  1. Emotions like sadness and tears are normal and can be a sign of strength. It's healthy to let yourself feel deeply and express those feelings.
  2. Journaling can help you understand and release difficult emotions. Writing about your feelings lets you process them better.
  3. Allowing yourself to feel grief can also lead to joy and gratitude. Embracing your emotions can help connect you more with your own experiences and memories.

Playing in the ruins

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 3996 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth Acceptance Self-discovery Existentialism Reflection
  1. Facing and accepting the breakdown of expectations can lead to a new way of being, a state of 'Playing in The Ruins'.
  2. Experiencing challenges and destruction can shatter illusions and preconceptions about the future, leading to a more authentic understanding of oneself and life.
  3. Encountering wreckage and failures is a common part of life's journey, and happiness often lies beyond achieving childhood dreams or societal expectations.

Making Peace with God

The Reclamation Era • 179 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
⛪ 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.

Embrace the plateau

Wednesday Wisdom • 151 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Self-discovery Life lessons Personal Growth Mastery Emotional Health
  1. The plateau in life is a normal phase where you might feel stuck, but it's also the time you really start mastering skills. Instead of rushing through it, take it as an opportunity to deepen your understanding.
  2. As you age, your energy and focus shift, making it essential to choose where you invest your effort wisely. It's okay to slow down and be strategic about your goals.
  3. Recognizing the limits of your abilities can help you embrace the plateau and focus on refining what you already know, rather than constantly seeking new challenges.

The Recovering Academic in 2023

The Recovering Academic • 970 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-discovery Personal Growth Emotional Healing Community Building
  1. The author shares their journey of leaving academia and dealing with grief, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and community in the recovery process.
  2. The plan for 2024 includes more thought pieces on higher education, collaboration to build community, original memoir and poetry sharing, and interviews to explore interesting life stories.
  3. Despite challenges, the author looks forward with anticipation, focusing on personal growth, gardening, and embracing individuality in their writing journey.

My Parents Only Wanted What was Best for Me. Too Bad They Had No Idea What It Was.

Brent and Michael are Going Places • 982 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🏝 Travel Personal Growth Transformation Self-discovery Adventure Life Changes
  1. Travel can be transformative, but some experiences, like being an exchange student, can truly change your life trajectory.
  2. Parents may want the best for you, but their idea of 'best' may not align with your true desires and potential.
  3. Sometimes, meeting people who see you for who you truly are can give you the courage to pursue your dreams and make significant life changes.

How to Make Love Stay?

Seven Senses • 359 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Relationships Self-discovery Mental health Personal Growth Love
  1. Love requires effort and honesty to grow. It's important to reflect on our own qualities and flaws in a relationship rather than blaming our partner.
  2. Real love changes us and teaches us about ourselves. Over time, we can find comfort in familiarity while still allowing love to evolve.
  3. Instead of searching for a perfect partner, we should focus on creating and nurturing perfect love together. This is the key to making love last.

New Beginnings: Failure Does Not Exist

Tessa Fights Robots • 26 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Self-discovery Healing Resilience Love Personal Growth
  1. Failure is not real; it's part of the learning process. Just like a child learns to walk by falling and getting back up, we grow through our mistakes.
  2. When we face hard times, we can discover more about ourselves. Pain can lead to personal growth and self-love, helping us become who we are meant to be.
  3. Life is about love and learning, and even when we feel lost, we are always moving toward understanding and healing. We should embrace our journey, no matter how difficult.

#147: Who’s allowed to want kids?

Maybe Baby • 1878 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Parenthood Self-discovery Well-being Community support Personal Growth
  1. Exploring the desire for children can lead to self-discovery and realization of societal influences.
  2. Online forums can provide comfort and support for individuals navigating the journey of trying to conceive.
  3. Societal norms and personal ideologies can impact how individuals perceive parenthood and their own desires.

The Profile: The fading hip-hop mogul & the doctor who made the best short call of 2023

The Profile • 396 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Entrepreneurship Lifestyle Media Success Self-discovery
  1. The book 'What Should I Do With My Life' by Po Bronson shares true stories of people reinventing themselves.
  2. Marcela's story shows the importance of pursuing true passion, even when faced with uncertainty.
  3. Success should be defined on your own terms, resonating with what feels right in your heart.

Nahid De Belgeonne on tackling a midlife identity crisis

The Shift With Sam Baker • 219 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-discovery Body awareness
  1. Feeling lost in midlife is common due to various life changes like career peaking, children growing up, and menopause. It's natural to question who we are at this stage of life.
  2. Our self-image involves more than just physical appearance. It's about understanding our physical sensations, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. True self-discovery comes from listening to your body, not external pressures.
  3. Instead of chasing external ideals or expecting constant happiness, focus on connecting with your body to navigate your identity crisis. Embrace changes and listen to what your body is telling you.

When the Mask Drops: Trying, Failing, and Re-Finding Myself

Caravanserai with Samantha Childress • 569 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Work-life balance Self-discovery Personal Growth Creativity
  1. The author struggled with finding time and headspace to write due to working full-time, but decided to post twice a month to make the newsletter more sustainable.
  2. The author felt like a failure for not keeping up with their original writing goals, but realized that quality is more important than quantity.
  3. By being more sincere at work and letting the 'mask' drop, the author found more freedom to be themselves and write more authentically.