What if your body, mind, and spirit could unite in perfect harmony? Discover how the ancient principles of yoga can guide you to this profound state of embodiment, where being fully present in your physical form meets mindfulness and soulful awareness. Imagine source energy as gold, and learn how each of us is a unique expression of this divine essence, experiencing life through our senses and emotions. We challenge traditional views that see the body as sinful, proposing instead that our physical existence is a sacred manifestation of source energy.

Explore the true power of your emotions with us. Anger, sadness, joy, and fear—all are vital indicators from our broader selves. Learn how these emotions communicate essential messages and guide us toward understanding our needs and desires. We discuss the societal conditioning that often leads to the suppression of these feelings, resulting in a disconnection from our gut and heart. By embracing our emotions, we can shift from a life led by past experiences to one filled with present possibilities and authentic existence.

Embark on a journey towards self-love and body alignment. Discover practical methods for achieving embodiment, such as somatic work, dance, and connecting with nature. Hear personal stories and techniques for aligning with your soul's desires, emphasizing the importance of nurturing your body through grounding, syncing with moon cycles, and self-massage. Whether you're seeking to reconnect with yourself or looking for practical self-care tips, this episode offers heartfelt insights and actionable steps to help you embrace your true self and lead a more empowered life.

Support the Show.

If you would like to be a guest on this podcast or would like to support this work, visit www.leavingthechurchtofindgod.com where you can contact Melissa and or make a donation. Follow along my journey on IG at @authenticallymeli and find more in depth content on YouTube at Diary of an Authentic Life.

Embark with us on a journey that challenges the very core of belief and identity, as Lynn Smith Gregory, a direct descendant of Joseph Smith, shares her profound transition from the Mormon Church to atheism. Our conversation reveals Lynn's confrontation with historical facts and the deep-seated questions that arose from her encounter with an atheist professor, shaking her lifelong beliefs to the core. It's not often we delve into such intimate revelations of faith and its unraveling; Lynn's forthcoming memoir, "We Were Smiths: Escaping the Shadow of Joseph Smith's Mormon Legacy," promises even deeper insights into her transformative experience.

The path of self-discovery and rebuilding one's life outside the familiar structures of religious communities can be tumultuous, marked by exclusion and the intense redefining of one’s identity. Our guests candidly discuss their personal stories, highlighting the critical role of therapeutic support and the courage it takes to forge new connections beyond the church's boundaries. As they share, we're reminded of the complexities that arise when leaving a faith, from the impact on family dynamics to the inner conflict one must navigate. The resilience and growth that emerge from such profound change are both inspiring and instructive for anyone on a similar journey.

In our final exploration, Lynn brings us into her world of navigating spiritual identity post-faith, demonstrating that life can be richer and more authentic when embracing the uncertainty of life's mysteries. From redefining family relationships to discovering a spirituality unbound by dogmatic beliefs, this episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of intentional living. For those who've walked this path, or for the curious minds seeking to understand the resilience it requires, Lynn's story serves as a beacon of hope in the quest for personal truth and fulfillment.

Support the Show.

If you would like to be a guest on this podcast or would like to support this work, visit www.leavingthechurchtofindgod.com where you can contact Melissa and or make a donation. Follow along my journey on IG at @authenticallymeli and find more in depth content on YouTube at Diary of an Authentic Life.

When the chains of a toxic faith fall away, what truths emerge from the shadows? This is the question at the heart of our latest episode, featuring the courageous and insightful Janai Oman. Her odyssey from a church staff member to a staunch advocate for a faith that heals and liberates is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Together, we navigate the treacherous waters of spiritual abuse and gender discrimination she faced within the church, shining a light on the often unseen disparity between public teaching and private practice. Janai's resolve to speak truth to power, despite personal cost, offers a powerful narrative about the intricate dynamics of church leadership and the profound emotional journey of leaving one's faith community.

The path to loving oneself can be as intricate and fraught as untangling a knotted necklace, a metaphor we explore in depth through personal stories of healing and self-discovery. Janai and I dissect the pervasive issue of 'othering'—be it within the Filipino-American community or a church setting—and its profound impact on one's sense of belonging and identity. As we peel back the layers of her story, Janai's experience forcefully reminds us of the high price of authenticity, and yet, her transformation into a writer provides a beacon for those seeking liberation from the shackles of oppressive environments.

Concluding our deep and heartfelt discussions, we share how retreat and spiritual renewal are not signs of weakness but acts of profound self-care. Janai's journey is not just about the struggle; it's about the reclamation of joy, love, and personal faith, outside the rigid expectations of religious conformity. Her story, interwoven with wisdom and a call for compassionate belief systems, serves as a guide for anyone grappling with their place within a potentially toxic church environment. Join us as we celebrate the resilience and transformative power of embracing one's truth and the quiet strength found in moments of retreat.

You can follow Janai's journey on Instagram @janaiauman or at Janaiauman.com

Support the Show.

If you would like to be a guest on this podcast or would like to support this work, visit www.leavingthechurchtofindgod.com where you can contact Melissa and or make a donation. Follow along my journey on IG at @authenticallymeli and find more in depth content on YouTube at Diary of an Authentic Life.