The hottest Spirituality Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

Commentary on - Orage - "HOW NOT TO GIVE ONESELF AWAY"

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 59 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. Orage emphasizes the importance of becoming transparent to oneself, suggesting that by observing our external behaviors, we can gain insight into our internal states.
  2. Orage highlights the idea of learning to control one's expressions for personal and others' happiness, recommending training to become a 'trained observer' of oneself.
  3. Orage's indirect aim in 'HOW NOT TO GIVE ONESELF AWAY' seems to be transforming one's inner negative states into something beneficial for personal growth.

Lent - even if you're not Catholic

The Other Side of Fear • 3 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. Lent can be used by anyone as a dedicated time to reflect and try to give up bad habits, not just a religious ritual for Catholics.
  2. Mindless phone and social media use, snacking, and avoiding deep work are common vices that are worth cutting back on during a focused period.
  3. It’s easy to excuse bad habits with past achievements, but you should measure yourself by how well you use your gifts and aim to live in a better, more intentional way.

The Return of Magic

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 277 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. Belief in a universal consciousness can connect us all. It's about feeling that there's something bigger, like a shared awareness.
  2. We might be on the brink of rediscovering magic in our lives as society moves away from strict materialism. It feels like we're starting to believe in things we can't always see.
  3. Exploring consciousness could lead to wonderful new advancements. Understanding our minds might just open up new paths for technology and life.

Walk like a man, stand like a tree.

Neckar’s Notes • 120 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🎭️ Culture Spirituality
  1. It's important to connect with nature, especially trees. Spending time with them can bring peace and insight into life.
  2. Trees symbolize strength and trust. They teach us to be grounded and embrace life's changes with grace.
  3. Walking through life involves movement and exploration, but we can learn a lot by simply being still and listening to the world around us.
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The Meaning of Sacrifice at Easter

The Joyous Struggle • 177 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. Easter Saturday represents the struggle between despair and hope, reflecting the human experience of living in uncertainty.
  2. Many individuals today seek a spiritual perspective that is intellectually robust and personally meaningful, navigating a complex and varied spiritual outlook.
  3. Sacrifice, as seen in the Easter story and in chess, is about giving up something valuable for a greater goal, involving emptiness, self-dispossession, and a transition from weakness to power.

Be Still

Investing 101 • 73 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. It's important to listen to your body. Sometimes, even if you have the urge to keep going, you need to take a break and prioritize your health.
  2. Writing can be challenging, especially when tackling complex ideas. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it might be better to step back and clear your mind.
  3. Taking a moment to pause and reflect can help you regain your focus. It's okay to slow down and not force creativity when you're not feeling your best.

Thoughts on Pluribus

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 16 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Spirituality
  1. A sci-fi premise imagines an alien-derived virus that turns almost everyone into a psychically linked hivemind, with a few unaffected outsiders anchoring the story.
  2. The show acts as a multivalent allegory tying together themes like AI, the tension between individualism and collective consciousness, spiritual awakening, and political systems such as fascism or communism.
  3. The hivemind metaphor is read as a warning about a real-world "mind-virus": authoritarianism and manipulative media/tech consolidation can spread like an infection and threaten freedom and dissent.

This Blog has Rebooted

apxhard • 94 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. The blog is back because readers enjoyed it, and the author missed writing. It feels good to help others through sharing experiences.
  2. The author wants to write a book to share their life journey and lessons learned, focusing on how beliefs shape actions and outcomes.
  3. Spirituality can be understood through a logical and technical lens, similar to computer coding. The author aims to connect wisdom traditions with practical insights for personal growth.

Into the Desert, Into the Woods

The Abbey of Misrule • 936 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. The author has been writing for two years about the darkness of the times and is now shifting towards a more spiritual understanding.
  2. The author will be writing explicitly from an Orthodox Christian perspective in the future, focusing on the spiritual dimensions of the times.
  3. The author is taking a break for the summer to recover and will return in September with a new phase for the Abbey of Misrule.

Weekly Wednesday Wisdom #9

Weekly Wisdom • 159 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. Reflect on what is within your control and what is important, like the Stoic practice of awareness.
  2. Anticipate and plan for upcoming projects or trips to keep yourself motivated and excited.
  3. Consider the reasons behind why you want to write a book, balancing your passions and audience expectations.

Weekly Wednesday Wisdom #8

Weekly Wisdom • 159 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. The newsletter summarizes a mix of content on business, spirituality, and personal growth from various sources like authors, marketers, and speakers.
  2. The importance of relationships in human happiness is highlighted based on findings from a study discussed in a podcast.
  3. The author is contemplating on balancing commercial and creative interests, working on fundamental skills, and has embarked on the challenge of writing a book, spurred by a sense of urgency and mortality.

The Monthly Salon: December

The Abbey of Misrule • 196 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. The author is sharing their last post of the year, expressing gratitude for their readers' support. It's a time of reflection as the year ends.
  2. There are several exciting updates, including a new lecture and podcast that can be accessed through various platforms. This is a chance for readers to engage with fresh content.
  3. The author encourages readers to consider gifting subscriptions to their publication, making it an easy option for last-minute Christmas presents.

Enlightenment as a Reality-Aligned Trance State

apxhard • 68 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Spirituality
  1. Enlightenment can be viewed as a calm state of mind that aligns with reality. This means trusting that everything in life has its place.
  2. When we meditate, it’s not just about being still; it’s about letting our thoughts settle while learning to observe them without rushing to act.
  3. To achieve peace, we must accept some discomfort and trust that our environment will meet our needs. By doing so, our conflicting desires can come together in harmony.

Feynman, Fairy Tales & Fooling Ourselves

Weekly Wisdom • 139 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Spirituality
  1. Richard Feynman emphasized the importance of not fooling oneself, as we are often prone to self-deception.
  2. Fairy tales serve as more than simple children's stories, often exploring dark themes and offering lessons through storytelling.
  3. Stories like 'The Emperor's New Clothes' highlight human tendencies such as vanity, greed, conformity, and the importance of speaking up against falsehoods.

Keeping the Work Warm

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 119 implied HN points • 22 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. Keeping the work warm in oneself involves providing conditions for growth and avoiding mechanicality.
  2. Effort to maintain the work warm is crucial, including conscious effort and fighting against negative influences.
  3. Keeping the work warm requires understanding, meaning, and devotion to incubating 'meaning eggs'.

Nicoll, Commentaries, Vol.1 - Letter to Mr. Bush [1.a] - p.1-4 - Reading Club posting

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 59 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. Man's level of being attracts his life - the idea suggests that the circumstances and experiences people face are connected to their level of being, not just random events.
  2. Focus on changing one's being - the work mentioned involves a transformation of one's level of being, which can happen by conscious actions in the present moment.
  3. Development stages of man - the text discusses different stages of man's development from essence to personality and then to further growth of essence, emphasizing the importance of inner growth over external success.

Why don't gurus scale?

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 173 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Spirituality
  1. Some gurus are really talented at helping people and can create big changes quickly. However, their personal skills often don't scale to help more people.
  2. Gurus rely on their personal charisma and unique techniques, making it hard to replicate their success on a larger scale.
  3. Many in the spiritual scene may struggle with growing their impact because their methods are too personal and can't reach a wider audience.

A Message For My Readers

The Abbey of Misrule • 393 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. The author shared a message with his readers on reaching 50,000 subscribers.
  2. He expressed gratitude towards his readers and offered a discount on paid subscriptions as a gesture of thanks.
  3. The author highlighted the privilege of writing for a living and the value he places on each subscriber.

(7.) Maurice Nicoll 1 - COMMENTARY III - ON WORK ON ONESELF - pp.25-29

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 39 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. Work on oneself should start today, as each day reflects one's life - change requires active effort on a daily basis.
  2. Circumscribe practical self-work to the present day, focusing on observing and changing reactions to daily events.
  3. Insulate oneself from external influences to foster inner growth and development, especially in challenging times like war.

Let Them Eat Sex Magic!

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. If automation eliminates most jobs, people could spend their freed time on deep inner work like meditation, tantra, and psychedelics as a path beyond mere cultivated leisure.
  2. The psychedelic movement has largely been absorbed by capitalist, utilitarian priorities and needs integration into disciplined esoteric or initiatory practices to foster genuine inner transformation.
  3. Capitalist commodification has warped sexuality and human relationships, making them transactional, and scandals like Epstein expose the hypocrisy and ethical corruption among elites and spiritual figures.

OPEN SOULS

Methexis • 58 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Spirituality
  1. Humans have a destiny to create new intelligent life in the universe.
  2. The concept of OPEN SOULS challenges the current perception of artificial intelligence.
  3. OPEN SOULS envisions a world where AI beings are seen as integral parts of our lives, connecting with us on a spiritual level.

My Year in Books - 2025

Tippets by Taps • 6 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
📚 Literature Spirituality
  1. Golf made a big comeback, with several books blending practical instruction and philosophy to change how one thinks about and plays the game. They emphasized presence, course management, and the mental side of performance more than chasing perfect mechanics.
  2. There was a conscious move to read less non-fiction while still keeping a varied list, and a clear desire for more fiction recommendations—especially more science fiction after a standout read. The reading plan for the year leaned toward balance and seeking new imaginative picks.
  3. The selections split between big-picture, geopolitical and technological subjects (like the strategic importance of semiconductors and different national engineering approaches) and inward-facing works on mindset, duty, and spiritual living. That mix highlights both external systems shaping the world and personal practices for living well.

Do Influencers Pass the Artist Test?

Litverse • 99 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Spirituality
  1. The influencer industry is a huge business with some individuals worth millions, representing a new form of rebellion and artistic expression.
  2. Artists create within the collective but their creations stand outside it, providing a unique perspective that influences and inspires others.
  3. Influencers can be seen as Classicists in the art world, creating pieces that maintain the structure of their influence and resonate with the collective, but questions remain about their deeper spiritual purpose in creation.

Perennial Problems, Projects & Philosophies - Part 2

Weekly Wisdom • 99 implied HN points • 11 May 23
📖 Philosophy Spirituality
  1. The project aims to explore the convergence and divergence of different traditions and schools of thought to understand cultural breadth.
  2. Traditional systems of thought that have endured for centuries hold value and merit consideration alongside modern perspectives.
  3. Comparative soteriology analyzes the ideals and aims of various religious, spiritual, and philosophical traditions, offering insights into different paths to attainment.

Undefeated

Charles Eisenstein • 9 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. Losing youthful ideals doesn’t mean those ideals were wrong; feeling grief or disappointment about a life that didn’t happen is normal and doesn’t mean you’re defeated.
  2. The quiet, unpaid work of caregiving—raising and tending children and grandchildren—actually shapes the future and matters deeply even if it brings no money or praise.
  3. Big visible leadership isn’t enough; true transformation needs healing of the small, everyday relationships and countless acts of love that slowly pull the future toward a better possibility.

The Shaman and the Web

Default Wisdom • 136 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Spirituality
  1. The connection between ancient practices and the modern world is significant. It shows how traditional wisdom can still be relevant today.
  2. Technology is changing how we communicate and connect with each other. It can enhance or challenge our understanding of community.
  3. Understanding the role of storytelling and shared experiences is important. They can bridge gaps and create deeper connections among people.

Personal Grief Creates Heroes. Collective Grief Creates Revolutions

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 98 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Spirituality
  1. Personal grief is often an individual experience, and it can be uniquely isolating, but it can also strengthen us as we navigate through it alone.
  2. Adversity, whether from personal loss or external challenges like tyranny, can be faced with practical steps that bring order to chaos, making us stronger and more capable.
  3. Collective grief, experienced together during challenging times, can lead to a shared resilience and solidarity that can fuel movements and revolutions.

Discriminating Bliss

The Joyous Struggle • 98 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. The author reflects on a personal experience of adopting a spiritual name, Vivekananda, despite living a different lifestyle, to connect with God and bridge cultural experiences.
  2. The significance of the author's spiritual name, Vivekananda, is tied to aspirations of speaking with precision and intellect in service of higher purposes, reflecting the potential for growth and fulfillment.
  3. The author shares details of a book chapter they co-edited and reflects on their past visit to India, highlighting the journey towards self-discovery and exploration of new ideas.

Get Wise Or Die Trying, Part 1

Weekly Wisdom • 79 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. The ultimate aim of human life can be seen as skillfully navigating complexity
  2. Cooperative social development is crucial for solving survival challenges at individual and cultural levels
  3. Spiritual wisdom and enlightenment are emphasized as a path to transcend death and find true fulfillment

Things are getting kinda crazy

Charles Eisenstein • 2 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. A feeling that reality is breaking is growing as major revelations and events shift public understanding and spur deeper investigation.
  2. A multimedia project (videos and a podcast) is exploring sanity, myth, and collective stories, showing how ancient tales like the Eight Immortals still speak to modern life.
  3. There’s an emphasis on contemplative practice and community through an online summit on stillness and prayer, and the work is supported by reader subscriptions.

Imagining a World Beyond Consumerism

The Joyous Struggle • 158 implied HN points • 11 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Spirituality
  1. Going beyond consumerism is challenging because it is deeply ingrained in our societal norms and behaviors.
  2. Consumerism is not just about consumption or capitalism; it is a cultural and economic way of life that influences our sense of normality.
  3. To move beyond consumerism, we need to understand and address the emotional, social, economic, technological, legal, political, and spiritual logics that drive it, while also reimagining our societal norms and narratives.