Things I used to believe

Write your way home in April!

THINGS I USED TO BELIEVE

I used to believe that I was a real cool guy. Now, I don't give a shit. I just want to create.

I used to believe that I couldn't be a good Jew, if I didn't go to synagogue.

I used to believe that the 'spiritual bypass' could never serve a constructive purpose. Now I know we need it at times to manage this reality.

I used to believe that God was little more than a fictitional construct made up by people who wanted to control humanity. I believe I was wrong.

I used to believe that Pop Tarts were utterly fantastic. Have you had one lately? :)

I used to believe that the political left was always honorable, and the political right always dishonorable. Confirmation bias is a mental illness.

I used to believe that Covid-19 originated at a wet market (whatever the hell that is!) in China. Now I am fairly sure that it was assembled in many countries, and deliberately released from a lab in Wuhan.

I used to believe that my parents weren't doing their best. Now, I believe that they were.

I used to believe that authenticity is always soft and vulnerable. That seems so ungrounded, now. What about the authentic need to put on some armor to survive this world?

I used to believe that Nick Cave was really weird. Now, I delight in his uniqueness.

I used to believe that there would be world peace one day. Now, I believe that is unlikely.

I used to believe that relish was a vegetable.

I used to believe that I would learn how to change a tire at some point in this lifetime. Not gonna happen.

I used to believe that Don Rickles was really funny.

I used to believe that time heals all wounds. Now I believe that chocolate rugelach does.

Perhaps this is why I try to listen to (non-abusive) opinions that I don't agree with. Because, as you get older, you remember that you changed your mind so many times. What seemed ridiculous back then, often became the opinion that you land on later.

What did you used to believe that you no longer believe?

Write your way home with me in April and May!

I don't know about you, but writing has often helped me to manage life's challenges. I move from experience to expression very quickly, because writing lives deep inside my bones. It's the place where I move my feelings and make sense of what just happened. I simply can't live without it.

If you also feel called to write, even if you haven't been able to actualize it, then join us beginning April 9th, for my next Writing Your Way Home course. Six weeks (or more, if you take your time) of energized (and energizing) audios, inspiring writing exercises and prompts, and feedback on your writing from me when requested. Some people move through the workbook, others work on their own core project. Some do both. Whatever you do, this course invites your voice to the surface supportively and compassionately. Too many of us had our right to express ourselves repressed by family and culture. This course celebrates your right to write, and encourages you to let loose and give your voice its due. We weren't born to bury our rightful expression below a bushel of shame and self-doubt. We were born to bring it to life, so we can feel human again. And the more we express, the more space and energy we have to handle the challenges of the world that we live in.

There are two ways to do the course. First, sign up at Soulshaping Institute (at $159 US). Or, become a paid subscriber of this newsletter (at $50 US), and you will receive the same course and benefits. Important to note: It doesn't matter where you are in the world. The audios are sent at a particular weekly time, but they are left up for six weeks and easy to download. So, check out the course description at the links above and if it resonates, sign up there or at the link below if you are not yet a paid subscriber of this newsletter. And… write your way home!

Where is God in all of this madness?

Speaking of writing your way home, my 9th book just came out. True to form for a writer, I like this one best probably because it more accurately reflects where I am at this moment in time. And because I believe that it contains the kind of insights that are actually useful in the situation we are now in as a collective. I don't tend to think that we are going mad as a species (although it certainly feels that way)—I am more inclined to believe that we are being pressed to reveal (and release) all that we have been carrying and the myriad ways our consciousness has been manipulated and exploited since time immemorial. We’re seeing our baggage, and we’re seeing more of where it came from at the same time. There it is, right before our eyes, despite the culture’s best efforts to camouflage it. If you feel called to read a book that helps to make sense of what is happening—and that genuinely provides a path to a better place—check out 'Where is God in all of this?' You don't have to believe in God, to benefit from this book. You just have to believe in the path that is you.

Quote of the Week

I felt called to write this piece the other day. I hope you find it helpful…

Treasure, ground, and protect yourself,

Jeff