No Nonsense Spirituality w/ Britt Hartley | Ep. 1890

Apr 22, 2024

Britt Hartley, an atheist spiritual director and author of 'No Nonsense Spirituality: All the Tools, No Faith Required,' brings a fresh perspective on secular spirituality. She discusses the deconstruction of religious beliefs and how it can lead to personal growth and empathy. Hartley shares practical tools for navigating life's complexities, especially around death and morality, while encouraging open dialogues with children. The conversation emphasizes finding meaning without dogma, advocating for a compassionate approach to spirituality that fosters individual authenticity.

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INSIGHT

Redefining Spirituality

Britt Hartley reclaims spirituality as connection to the deepest self and outside self without needing to believe in gods or spirits.
She likens it to a bee's relationship to a hive, emphasizing communal and personal meaning without supernatural beliefs.

ADVICE

Replace Prayer With Thought Work

Replace silent prayer by priming your brain with positive intentions and thought work.
Use mantras and purposefully chosen thoughts to work your brain for you without needing belief in gods.

ADVICE

Embrace Death Gradually

Face the fear of death gradually by inching closer, like exposure therapy for spiders.
Develop rituals and mourning practices for death to integrate acceptance and live fully in the present.

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Seven New Religions for a Godless America

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Strange Rights

Falling Upward

A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life

Richard Rohr

In 'Falling Upward,' Richard Rohr divides human life into two halves. The first half is about building a life, achieving success, and establishing an identity. The second half, often misunderstood as a period of decline, is actually a journey of spiritual growth, contentment, and deeper understanding. Rohr argues that spiritual maturity is achieved not by avoiding failures and sufferings but by embracing them as necessary steps towards true self-discovery and union with God. The book offers practical guidance on transitioning from the outer tasks of the first half of life to the inner tasks of the second half, emphasizing the importance of integrity, love, and non-dualistic thinking[2][3][5].

The Genealogy of Morals

Friedrich Nietzsche

Friedrich Nietzsche's "On the Genealogy of Morality" is a critical examination of morality's historical development. Nietzsche challenges traditional views of good and evil, arguing that they are not objective truths but rather power dynamics. He traces the origins of morality to resentment and the will to power, suggesting that morality is a tool used by the weak to control the strong. The work is divided into three essays, each exploring different aspects of morality's evolution. Nietzsche's analysis is complex and provocative, challenging readers to reconsider their own moral values and beliefs. His work continues to spark debate and inspire new interpretations.

No Nonsense Spirituality

Brittany Hartley

Waking Up

A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion

Sam Harris

In this book, Sam Harris argues that there is more to understanding reality than science and secular culture generally allow. He explores the scientific underpinnings of spirituality, suggesting that how we pay attention to the present moment largely determines the quality of our lives. The book is part memoir and part exploration, discussing the illusion of the self, the benefits of meditation, and the importance of understanding consciousness through both scientific and philosophical lenses.