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011: Introducing the “Exploring Spirituality” Series with Andrew Ainsworth

Friday, 18 March 2016 / Published in Podcast Archive

Andrew Ainsworth introduces the upcoming “Exploring Spirituality” series on Mormon Transitions, which will feature interviews with uncorrelated and post-Mormons about the secular and religious spiritual paths they’ve discovered since moving beyond orthodox LDS belief.

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Seeking Volunteers to Share Their Stories About Exploring Spirituality Post-Mormonism

Wednesday, 16 March 2016 / Published in Blog Archive, Inspiration, Philosophy, Spirituality
Hi folks, I’d like to do a series of episodes for the Mormon Transitions podcast on the topic of exploring spirituality post-Mormonism. I’d like to interview post-Mormons who have discovered new spiritual paths, whether religious or secular, since leaving the LDS church. For many, one of the most difficult aspects of a “faith crisis” is suddenly having your entire paradigm/world-view jerked out from under your feet. This can leave you feeling disoriented and confused, feeling as if you suddenly don’t have an “anchor” or “compass” in life, which can create anxiety. I’d like to interview people who, since losing their faith in Mormonism, have gone on to find spirituality elsewhere, whether it be inside or outside a religious tradition.
 
If you fit that description and would be willing to be interviewed or participate in a panel discussion, please let me know in the comments below. Also, if you know of someone you think would be a good guest for an interview or panel discussion, please recommend him/her to me in the comments below.  It would be helpful if you would mention which spiritual tradition/path you or your recommendation represents. Thanks!!!
 
Note: I use the word “spirituality” in its broadest sense, which includes secular spirituality. As the great Carl Sagan wrote:
 
“Spirit” comes from the Latin word “to breathe.” What we breathe is air, which is certainly matter, however thin. Despite usage to the contrary, there is no necessary implication in the word “spiritual” that we are talking of anything other than matter (including the matter of which the brain is made), or anything outside the realm of science. On occasion, I will feel free to use the word. Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality. When we recognize our place in an immensity of light years and in the passage of ages, when we grasp the intricacy, beauty and subtlety of life, then that soaring feeling, that sense of elation and humility combined, is surely spiritual. So are our emotions in the presence of great art or music or literature, or of acts of exemplary selfless courage such as those of Mohandas Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr. The notion that science and spirituality are somehow mutually exclusive does a disservice to both.

Episode 010: Fostering Mutual Respect as Couples through Transition

Sunday, 13 March 2016 / Published in Podcast Archive

At first glance, strangers might mistakenly label Royleane and Steve Otteson  “unequally yoked” because Roy is active in the LDS Church and Steve has transitioned.  In fact, these two are an amazing pair of equals who have navigated their own unique faith transitions with dignity and respect for each other and closeness in their relationship.  Join Kristy as they share their story and  insights about what worked for them and as the model practical exercises on building mutual respect, step 2 in a 6 step solution-focused series for couples.   For couples who want to do these exercises at home, you can download the free workbook Kristy put together here.

 

Related episodes for navigating mixed-faith marriages as a couple, from John Gottman’s research tailored to Mormon couples with practical solutions:

Step 1: Getting Vulnerable

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008: Telling Loved Ones about your Faith Transition

Tuesday, 08 March 2016 / Published in Podcast Archive

The most common question Mormons in transition have asked Kristy in her work as a psychologist is how–or even whether or not–to tell their friends and family about their faith transition.  The “if” and “how” answers vary widely for every individual as each case is unique, but this episode seeks to give practical guidelines and important considerations for those who are leaning toward this step in their journey toward authenticity.   From exercises based in this workbook Kristy put together for her clients.

Have you already had “the talk” or “the letter”?  How did it go?  Better than you worried it would?  If you’d like to come on the podcast to share your story of coming out to friends and family, with advice from your own experience to those who are considering doing it too, don’t be a stranger, contact me here!  Many people have found it healing in their own journey to know that what they went through can help others by sharing and making meaning of their experience.

Other links mentioned in this episode:

Mormon Stories podcast episode on Dr. Fowler’s stages of Faith

Dr. Fowler’s book, Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Human Development and Quest for Meaning

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