077: Pitfalls of New Age Spirituality with Brittney Hartley
Jun 5, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Brittney Hartley, a Spiritual Director focused on nihilism recovery and secular spirituality, shares her transformative journey from organized religion to personal spiritual exploration. She highlights the challenges of confronting chaos and death in spirituality, along with the pitfalls of New Age beliefs. Brittney emphasizes the importance of connection and mentorship, advocating for a balanced approach to masculine and feminine spirituality. Her insights also shed light on the vital role women play in shaping spiritual conversations.
Brittney Hartley's personal journey illustrates the complexities of faith deconstruction, emphasizing the importance of connection and self-reflection.
The potential pitfalls of New Age spirituality highlight the dangers of lacking mentorship and relying solely on personal intuition without critical examination.
Recognizing and valuing women's contributions to spirituality in everyday life allows for a broader understanding beyond traditional patriarchal practices.
Deep dives
The Definition of Spirituality
Spirituality is centered on the concept of connection, both to oneself and the broader context of life and the universe. For some, this connection may encompass beliefs in a higher power, while others view spirituality as simply about engaging with one's own human experience. The absence of spirituality often manifests as numbness to oneself and the world, a reminder of how important it is to foster genuine connections that breathe life into our existence. This journey towards authentic connection may require significant personal effort and self-reflection.
Navigating Religious Deconstruction
Brittany's journey illustrates the complex process of deconstructing faith, particularly with a background in a strict religious upbringing. Raised in Mormonism, she faced challenges during her teenage years, which led her to explore various forms of Christianity and ultimately resulted in the loss of her former beliefs. This deconstruction process can evoke feelings of nihilism when individuals grapple with the absence of meaning, identity, and community associated with their prior faith. By learning to embrace alternative perspectives on spirituality without the confines of dogma, individuals can begin to recover a sense of personal empowerment over their beliefs.
The Perils of New Age Spirituality
Transitioning from traditional religion to New Age spirituality can present its own set of traps that echo those found in organized faiths. New Age spirituality may lack sufficient guidance and mentorship, which can lead individuals to rely too heavily on personal intuition without critical reflection. This unchecked belief system may foster a superiority complex, where individuals claim unique spiritual gifts or insights without acknowledging the collective human experience. Truly deconstructing spiritual beliefs requires individuals to examine the deeper fears and desires driving their need for reassurance and validation.
Embodied Spirituality and Daily Life
Women’s contributions to spirituality, often centered in daily experiences, remain undervalued compared to traditional male-focused practices. Acts of love, such as planning a child's birthday party or caretaking, embody deep spiritual work that often goes unrecognized. Spiritual growth is not limited to traditional practices like meditation or retreats; instead, it can be found in the mundane acts of life that involve love and connection. Recognizing and validating these embodied experiences can empower individuals, particularly women, to redefine their understanding of spirituality beyond patriarchal constructs.
The Balance of Masculine and Feminine Energies
Finding a balance between masculine and feminine energies in spirituality is crucial for personal growth and fulfillment. The masculine energy often emphasizes logic, structure, and analytical thinking, while the feminine energy embodies intuition, connection, and relational nurturing. Both elements are necessary for a holistic spiritual practice that acknowledges the value of emotional labor and the transformative power of relationships. Cultivating this balance allows individuals to step into their authentic selves and explore spirituality through a more integrated and nuanced lens.
In this episode of Your Spiritual Besties Podcast, we are joined by the incredible Brittney Hartley, a Spiritual Director specializing in nihilism recovery, faith deconstruction, and secular spirituality. Brittney shares her journey of deconstructing from Mormonism and Christianity to find her own path in spirituality. She emphasizes the profound importance of connection and the impact losing one's faith can have.
We delve into the flaws and trappings of organized religion and discuss the potential pitfalls of New Age spirituality. Brittney highlights the need for mentorship and wise voices to provide guidance and keep our egos in check. We explore the process of deconstructing religion and spirituality, focusing on addressing the fears and desires that drive our spiritual needs.
Brittney also introduces us to the concepts of masculine and feminine spirituality, the value of embodied spiritual practices, and recognizing the spiritual significance of everyday experiences, especially for women. Tune in to learn more about Brittney’s insights and to hear about her book and courses on spirituality. Hang Out with Britt @nononsensespirituality Check out her website: HERE Dive Deeper with her book : No Nonsense Spirituality: All the Tools No Belief Required
