“Security is mostly a superstition. 

It does not exist in nature. . .

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing”      -Helen Keller

If we think about it, we can realize how much we care about safety and predictability.  We are uncomfortable with being unable to know or control the future, so we try to create safety nets.  But uncertainty is part of life.  Ambiguity is normal. Tolerating it allows exploration and adventure. Of course there is risk, so we need courage, and we need confidence that we can rise to the challenges that emerge. Helen Keller was a great example in calling life a great adventure, considering the challenges she faced.  So lets make a list of adventurous acts and practice for the rest of the month accepting uncertainty and embracing adventure, shall we?

Here are the exercises we are using in the Personal Development Group this month.  In general, what we will do each month is practice daily the theme for the month. 

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Based on the new Journey Free 2013 Calendar, a new virtual group dedicated to personal development is forming.  This will be especially relevant to folks recovering from religious indoctrination, but will not be limited to “reclaimers” or focused on religious material.  Rather, we will be addressing important and liberating ideas each month, and practicing alternative ways of being. 

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At this time of year it’s hard to avoid dealing with the differences you have with your family.

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Dr. Tarico is a psychologist from Seattle and a member of Journey Free’s Board of Advisors. Her insights on religion and psychology are unparalleled. Don’t miss her book, Trusting Doubt, and read her blog, Awaypoint.wordpress.com. She also has a YouTube channel called Trusting Doubt.

Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain)

“I am greatly troubled by what you say. I wrote Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn for adults exclusively, and it always distresses me when I find that boys and girls have been allowed access to them.

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Ok, I think we can acknowledge we have a subculture now – a group of people who were once religious but have left and are reclaiming their lives.  This group is special and identifiable.  It’s not just exChristian; it’s exMormon, exMuslim, ex-Jehovah-Witness, ex-cult, and ex-authoritarian.  But we need a name. 

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This is a YouTube series of 3 videos from Marlene’s talk at a retreat, explaining why she thinks the most important thing about accepting evolution has nothing to do with the Garden of Eden.  It’s about understanding ourselves for who we are – animals. 

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