The hottest Spiritual growth 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.

Shrine of the heart

Silentium • 559 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Silence Inner peace Mindfulness Spiritual growth
  1. Silence can be a powerful way to connect with yourself and your emotions. Taking time to be quiet allows for deeper reflection and understanding.
  2. Creating a personal space for silence, like a 'shrine of the heart', can help you cultivate peace and focus in your life.
  3. Embracing moments of stillness can lead to greater clarity and insights about your thoughts and feelings. It's important to prioritize time for silence in our busy lives.

How do I pray?

Silentium • 519 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Prayer Meditation Silence Spiritual growth Reflection
  1. Prayer can be a moment of silence and reflection. It's a chance to pause and connect with your feelings.
  2. Practicing prayer is personal and can look different for everyone. There’s no right or wrong way to approach it.
  3. Creating a quiet space for prayer can help enhance the experience. Finding a calm environment makes it easier to focus.

My Spiritual Evolution

Tao Lin • 679 implied HN points • 25 Aug 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spiritual growth Religious Studies Cultural perspectives
  1. Materialism is a viewpoint that says only physical things exist and this idea has become quite common, often dismissing spiritual beliefs as outdated or silly.
  2. The author describes a childhood filled with fear of death, shaped by their family's materialist beliefs and a lack of spiritual discussions.
  3. After experiencing personal struggles and exploring altered states of consciousness, the author began to believe in a spiritual reality beyond physical existence.
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The Moses Option

The Abbey of Misrule • 998 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Activism Philosophy Cultural Commentary Spiritual growth
  1. Activism is about trying to fix the world, but it often leads to thinking in a narrow way. Instead, we need to focus on personal change and spiritual growth.
  2. The true path to making a difference might be through sacrifice and self-emptying, rather than fighting against the problems we see around us.
  3. To really connect with the world and each other, we should start by looking inward and understanding our own flaws, like the story of Moses who carried his past while seeking transformation.

My Greatest Fear (Wrestling with Faith and Fate)

Neckar’s Notes • 180 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spiritual growth Personal Reflection Eastern philosophy
  1. Fear can prevent us from taking action, making us feel stuck. It's important to recognize that running from fear might be what we truly fear.
  2. Finding purpose in life isn't about reaching a destination but about walking a path. Every moment is an opportunity to choose faith over fear.
  3. Being present and expressing gratitude can help us connect with others and find meaning. Each day is a new chance to share and make a difference.

Restoring the Divine Order

Tessa Fights Robots • 29 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Spiritual growth Human nature Mysticism
  1. We all have a lot of power to create change, but we need to understand our true nature as light. This understanding is key to making a real difference in the world.
  2. The dogmas and strict beliefs pushed by some can distract us from our connection to a higher power. It's important to be aware of how these ideas can keep us stuck and focused on the wrong things.
  3. Real healing and growth come from letting go of past traumas and raising our energy. This process allows us to see ourselves and others as pure light, capable of spreading love and understanding.

The Man Comes Around

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3597 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Christianity Belief Spiritual growth Theology
  1. Jude 5 is one of the most profound verses in the Bible, emphasizing the human and divine nature of Jesus.
  2. Jesus's brothers, who initially rejected Him, later went to their deaths proclaiming Him the risen Lord. Something significant must have happened.
  3. Believing in the resurrection of Jesus can bring comfort and hope, even in times of struggle and despair.

Madness, Fire, and Prophecy

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 31 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Religion Spiritual growth Consciousness Mysticism
  1. The current state of the world feels chaotic, with misinformation spreading and leaders making false claims. This can create confusion and danger during crises.
  2. Change is happening, and many believe it’s a transformational time. It's an opportunity to discover deeper truths and connect more with ourselves and each other.
  3. Understanding that we are all part of a larger consciousness can help us move past ego and separation. Recognizing our unity might lead to a more compassionate and loving world.

The Queen of all Virtues 👑

The Commonplace • 1277 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Virtues Wisdom Spiritual growth Personal Reflection Decision-making
  1. Prudence is the queen of all virtues because it guides our actions and helps us make good decisions.
  2. The four cardinal virtues are prudence, fortitude, temperance, and justice, providing a foundation for a moral life.
  3. Cultivating prudence involves thinking, making a choice, and taking action, leading to wise decision-making in everyday life.

“Winners never quit, and quitters never win” and other lies

SOAR with Sara Hagerty • 628 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Belief Spiritual growth Purpose Suffering
  1. The idea of winners never quitting and quitters never winning is a lie we internalize since childhood.
  2. Sometimes quitting is necessary for personal growth and moving towards a new path.
  3. It's important to consider when holding onto a dream might be detrimental to our well-being and embrace the idea of letting go.

My Daughter Got Married

DruGroup • 179 implied HN points • 21 May 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Marriage Spiritual growth Christianity Family Ceremony
  1. Marriage requires growth and effort from both partners. It's important to continually work on being better together and as individuals.
  2. Love isn't just about feeling good; it's also about the qualities we develop over time. Patience, kindness, and self-control come from a deeper connection, not just from being in love.
  3. The support of a higher power, or spiritual guidance, can help nurture these qualities in a relationship. It's about allowing that influence to grow and guide you.

Lessons from Keith Drury's Cadre

DruGroup • 79 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Leadership Mentorship Community Spiritual growth Learning
  1. It's important to choose a special group of leaders to invest in. When you invite them to be part of a select group, it makes them feel valued and noticed.
  2. Regular communication with your selected group helps them feel included and keeps them engaged. Sharing valuable insights can strengthen your connection with them.
  3. Connecting your leaders with each other can create new opportunities. They can work together and support each other in ways they might not have expected.

introducing a new vision for The Commons 🏛️

Wellness Wisdom by Patricia Mou • 412 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Community Personal Development Meaning-making Mindfulness Spiritual growth
  1. The vision for The Commons is to create a place focused on collective inner development, personal meaning-making, and fullest personal expression.
  2. The new Campus core curriculum aims to facilitate holistic adult development through a structured approach that draws from various traditions.
  3. The community will engage in Guilds & Circles, Practicums, Free-form Experiences, and Unstructured Time to support personal growth and expression.

Advice to Aspiring Apologists

The Worldview Bulletin Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Apologetics Christianity Spiritual growth Literature Translation
  1. Apologetics can help strengthen faith by engaging in debates and seeking evidence.
  2. Starting local, diversifying audiences, and continuous learning are important for aspiring apologists.
  3. Humility, genuine concern to help others understand, and embodying Christianity's principles are crucial for successful apologetics.

Beyond Busyness (audio)

The Joyous Struggle • 158 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Belief Prayer Philosophy Spiritual growth Meditation
  1. The post discusses the concept of busyness as a dubious status claim and why time feels to pass quicker as one ages.
  2. There is a reflection on how two Harry Potter films led to thinking about Gaza, along with a positive outlook on the Perspectiva antidebate.
  3. The post includes a reading of 'Beannacht' by John O'Donohue as an antidote to late January blues.

(3.) Nicoll 1 - Letter to Mr. Bush - [2.] - pp.8-11

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 59 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Spiritual growth
  1. Maurice Nicoll emphasizes the importance of self-work and self-awareness, highlighting the need to work on oneself with joy and positivity.
  2. The teaching discusses the concept of essence coming from the stars and the importance of being conscious of one's own flaws and working to overcome them.
  3. The letter stresses the beauty and liberation in understanding the work, comparing it to being offered a key to unlock the doors of a prison, symbolizing the opportunity for self-liberation from negative emotions and identifying with one's true essence.

Faith, Hope, Love ... and Social Justice?

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 07 May 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Social justice Activism Feminism Spiritual growth
  1. Love is crucial for social justice and can drive real change. Bell hooks believed that love is often seen as weak, but it can actually be a powerful and transformative force.
  2. Honest communication is essential in love and cannot exist in systems of domination. Patriarchy creates barriers, causing people to hide their true selves, which harms relationships.
  3. Spirituality can come from various traditions and doesn't have to be tied to organized religion. It's about valuing love and interconnectedness in our lives and communities.

Returning To Human Scale

Creative Destruction • 55 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Development Physical health Mental health Spiritual growth
  1. Reconsidering the scales we use in society can lead to more sustainable practices and healthier relationships with ourselves and nature.
  2. Applying a human/nature scale to businesses, cities, and work schedules can prioritize well-being over profitability and efficiency.
  3. Shifting to a human/nature scale approach in areas like internet communities and democracy can foster closer connections, better decision-making, and a more inclusive society.

Fear

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 10 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Development Anxiety Management Spiritual growth Self-help
  1. Catastrophic thinking can trap you in a cycle of fear. It feels real, but often the worst outcomes don't happen.
  2. To overcome anxiety, it's important to make a decision to get better and take action. Change is hard but can lead to a much happier life.
  3. Fear holds you back from fully enjoying life. It’s mostly in our heads, and learning to trust that things will be okay can open up many possibilities.

New Wineskins for the American Church

DruGroup • 59 implied HN points • 22 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Theology Spiritual growth
  1. The American church is losing focus on what really matters. Instead of focusing on the core beliefs, too much energy is wasted on small, divisive issues.
  2. There's a shift towards disciple-making in smaller, deeper ways. This approach values relationships and humility over size and loudness.
  3. Identifying with Global Christianity offers hope. This strategy values quiet and humble influence rather than trying to control culture with big, loud efforts.