Navigating Life After Religious Deconstruction
- Brainz Magazine
- Aug 16, 2024
- 4 min read
Ellen Mennell is recognized when it comes to her work in Social Justice, Inner Healing, Awakening, Religious Deconstruction and Religious Trauma. She is CEO of Advocate of Soul, an online coaching business, an International Speaker, Women’s Circle Facilitator, the author of AS IS, Book 1 & 2, and the host of Advocate of Soul., on YouTube.
Leaving a religion entirely or keeping aspects to one is a complex experience. From a mixture of emotions to an endless stream of questions, stepping away from something that once provided structure, community, and meaning, takes great courage.
You might find yourself asking, "What do I believe now?" or "How do I find meaning without the framework I used to rely on?" These are personal questions that don’t have immediate answers and figuring them out can be challenging. The absence of familiar structures compels a person to find new ways to navigate life, morality, and mortality.
There are also practical considerations to think about. How do you explain your shift in beliefs to friends and family who might not understand? Some relationships may strengthen as you share your journey while others might become strained due to differing beliefs.
What does this change mean for your routines and sense of purpose? Everything that once brought comfort and stability may need to be replaced or reimagined. You might create new traditions or engage in activities that reflect your changing values and priorities.
Because the process varies, the answers sought might not come easily or quickly. I wish I could say there are cookie-cutter methods of moving through all of it, but that isn't true. Instead, it is a personal journey, and life after deconstruction requires a willingness to embrace uncertainty. Over time there will be guiding principles that feel more authentic to who you are becoming, but it takes patience to wait this out. Let us look at this in more detail.
From confinement to freedom
The first step people experience is an initial joy that emerges as the weight of religion lifts. For some, it is a second salvation, a rebirth into a life where they think, explore, and live on their terms.
This shift allows for intellectual freedom, where you can delve into new ideas without being restricted by traditional dogma. This intellectual openness enriches your understanding of the world and provides emotional relief, as you let go of guilt, fear, and pressure.
As obligations fade away, decision-making becomes more authentic, guided by what feels right to you rather than expected. Embracing this independence as a human being creates new avenues for personal growth and inner peace.
This journey also brings an increased sense of personal responsibility. By aligning your choices with sovereignty, you develop a stronger sense of ownership over your life, a deeper sense of personal integrity, and a meaningful connection with people and the world around you.
The way forward with new materials
After the process of deconstruction, the focus shifts toward reconstructing a meaningful life. This journey involves several key steps:
Developing personal values
When there are no prescribed doctrines, the opportunity to discover a personal code of ethics occurs, integrating these values into daily life. For instance, some might prioritize environmental stewardship or social justice as core principles.
Finding community
Forming new communities that reflect one's evolved beliefs is essential. Whether joining online forums, attending local meetups, or building new social circles that offer support and belonging, the community is a powerful force that helps to continue the journey of self-development.
Embracing authenticity
The end game is to live in harmony with your true self. This means living life with genuine passion and pursuing paths that resonate with your core interests and personal growth.
Shifting sands inspire a new era
Though religious structures are undergoing significant transformation, this doesn’t need to cause alarm, but instead should be seen as a natural progression in the evolution of humanity. What’s exciting about this period is the potential for growth and innovation. As traditional religious boundaries soften, there's greater space for dialogue and cooperation.
The cross-pollinating process leads to a more nuanced perspective of human experience. It also leads to greater empathy and understanding among people of diverse backgrounds. This is a time of integration, and the potential for personal and collective greatness is increasing.
A rallying of shared vision
To those who have walked the path of deconstruction, take heart. You have created space now for incredible growth and understanding. Grant yourself the gift of pause and reflection. Embrace the lessons you’ve learned and allow yourself to rebuild into the life you’ve dreamed. You are not only stronger but also wiser for having faced the shadow work of letting go. As you continue your path, allow the renewed vision to lead you toward all your heart’s desires. Your journey is evolving, not ending.
For the collective community, the process of deconstruction can test our unity. Now is the time to come together with renewed purpose and solidarity. Let us offer one another unwavering support as we navigate this new chapter and reconstruct our shared values. Create spaces for heartfelt dialogue and collaboration, drawing on our diverse experiences and wisdom. We know how to build a community as the tools are inside each of us. This moment presents a unique opportunity to redefine our collective identity and shape an inclusive future, one that is soul-led, and full of hope. Together, let us move forward with shared strength and a deep commitment to a more united future. We are birthing a new earth where everyone thrives.
Ellen Mennell, Spiritual/ Empowerment Coach
Ellen Mennell, a trail blazer for Freedom, believes compassion, love, and understanding is key to healing our planet. This led her to live in more than 20+ nations leading humanitarian efforts around Social Justice. These experiences shaped Ellen’s life forever and gifted her with a diverse way of thinking, living and being. Overcoming Life’s challenges and Spiritual awakening led her to abandon decades of religious fundamentalism. Her journey has inspired others to rise into their own power. Ellen’s coaching strategy, writings, speaking events, and inner healing work gives permission to people everywhere to live from their own truth, by walking their own path, and by saying YES to what stirs their soul.
