Can you be spiritual outside the confines of organized religion? Let’s explore this provocative question and unravel the tangled web of spirituality versus traditional religious structures. Raised in an evangelical Christian environment, I found myself at odds with the doctrines that clashed with my personal values, especially concerning LGBTQ+ acceptance and the politicization of faith. Through my journey, I discovered the liberating potential of forging a personal spiritual connection that resonates with one's true self, free from the limitations of religious dogma.
In this episode, we strip away the complexities and contradictions within organized religion, shining a light on the hypocrisy of teachings that preach love yet exclude those who don't fit their mold. I recount my own transformative shift away from fear-based religious conditioning, a journey marked by repeated salvation attempts spurred by dread of eternal damnation. These experiences, coupled with familial challenges, shaped my identity and catalyzed a shift towards spiritual practices that emphasize abundance, peace, and introspection, such as oracle readings and meditation.
Finally, we look into the freedom of exploring personal spirituality on one's own terms. I offer insights on how to build a supportive community, set boundaries with restrictive religious institutions, and embrace the empowerment that comes from aligning with one's intrinsic worth. Join me as we uncover those unfiltered aha moments, and together, let's journey toward becoming the boldest versions of ourselves, unshackled by traditional religious confines. This episode promises to inspire and challenge you to rethink the path to spiritual fulfillment.

Episode Highlights: 

Spirituality vs Religion: Understand the personal journey of distinguishing between spirituality and organized religion, focusing on how traditional religious beliefs may not align with personal values, especially around sensitive societal issues.


The Hypocrisy of Organized Religion: Explore the tension between spiritual authenticity and religious teachings that exclude and judge, emphasizing the need to question the belief that religion is the sole path to spiritual fulfillment.


Escaping Fear-Based Religious Conditioning: Reflect on the impact of growing up in a fear-driven religious environment and the transition towards a more loving and abundant spiritual path, free from the anxiety of eternal damnation.



Three Action Steps to Take:

Reflect on Your Current Beliefs: Begin by examining your current beliefs and feelings about organized religion and spirituality. Consider how these beliefs align with your personal values and whether they have been influenced by fear or external pressures. Reflect on any conflicts or discomforts you feel about your spiritual path and ask yourself what truly resonates with you. This introspection is the first step toward understanding your unique spiritual needs and desires.

Explore Alternative Spiritual Practices: Open yourself to exploring various spiritual practices that are not confined by traditional religious structures. This could include activities such as meditation, tarot or oracle readings, or connecting with nature. These practices can help you cultivate a personal connection to spirituality that is free from fear-based teachings and aligns with your authentic self. Experiment with different methods to discover what brings you peace and fulfillment.

Build a Supportive Community: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your interest in exploring spirituality outside of organized religion. Engage with communities that encourage open discussions about spirituality and personal growth. Setting boundaries with unhelpful religious institutions or individuals is crucial in this process. A supportive network can provide encouragement and insight as you redefine what it means to be spiritually connected on your own terms.


Journaling Prompts
Prompt 1: What spiritual practices have interested me outside of organized?
Prompt 2: What's one way that I can explore learning about those practices today outside of a Google search?

ConclusionStepping away from organized religion and embarking on your own spiritual journey is a courageous and empowering decision. It's not about abandoning your beliefs, but rather redefining them in a way that aligns with your true self. The fear and guilt imposed by religious dogma are not your burdens to bear. Instead, embrace the abundance, love, and authenticity that come from connecting with your inner self and the universe. You are worthy of peace and spiritual fulfillment on your own terms. Trust in your path, and know that everything you need is already within you. Keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep growing into the boldest version of yourself.

Next week’s episode we're going to be talking about to My Aha moment. The moment came to me over a course of many months, all the different aha moments that I have had throughout my entire life and how it led me to be here with you guys on this podcast and to all of my unfiltered, hellish, unadulterated, controversial opinions on pretty much everything, and I'm excited to share that piece with you.

life coach for eldest daughters. life coach for eldest daughter. eldest daughter life coach. life coach for eldest daughter entrepreneur. eldest daughter syndrome. oldest daughter life coach. eldest daughter business owner

0 Comments

Leave a Comment


Meet Alexis Frank

 
There are three things in life I’ve never enjoyed being: tired, uncomfortable in my clothes, and unable to afford the things I want.

Three things in life I had been for awhile: tired, uncomfortable in my clothes, and unable to afford the things I want (first world problems, am I right?)

Those things served a purpose in my life, but no longer suited who I believe to be, the best version of myself. 

Let me give you some background

My brother and I were raised by a single mother, in NYC, who dedicated her life to teaching special education students. It goes without saying that we never had a lot of money. We never questioned where our next meal was coming from and we got to travel to beautiful places (on a tight budget of course), but we knew the reality of our finances at a very young age.

So in order to save my mother the ungodly burden of co-signing on loans for college, I joined the Army at 17, which for 6 years, made me both tired and uncomfortable in my clothes (those boots were not the business). But it was at this point, I experienced having money, and I knew I liked that. But the rest had to go.

I met my husband before I got out of the military, and we had our son. I worked for a few small businesses, spent some time as a SAHM, which I loathed (don’t judge, it ain’t for everyone), and finished up a few degrees. This left me both tired and unable to afford the things I wanted (which was just a nice vacation without a screaming baby for two nights). So again, I knew something had to change.

Fast forward to when we got the opportunity to change duty stations. I was finishing up my MBA and I was able to finally land a position in corporate America, which I thought I had always wanted (Alexa: play “living the American dream). I tried my best to make the most of it and to be grateful for the opportunity, but my commute was horrible, my pantsuits were tight (I was pregnant with our third child), my heels hurt, and most of my meetings could have been emails. 

Then the pandemic hit, and I got to work from home. As horrible as it was, I finally thought to myself “this is how I do it. I get to work from home in my pajamas, make money, spend more time with my kids, and take naps.” But I was wrong again.

When my husband changed duty stations again, I was placed on a high profile program with my company that demanded mandatory overtime. I knew then that corporate life was never going to give me the time freedom I needed, and that starting my business was the only way I could build the life I wanted which included leggings and vacations.

The Filing Cabinet was born out of my realization that I had been coaching people ever since my teenage years. My friends and colleagues have always seen me as the go-to expert for pretty much any issues they have ever had. I pride myself on that, and I want to use over 15 years of that experience to coach you through leaving your corporate job, realizing your entrepreneurial potential, and helping you scale your life and business to unprecedented heights (and in your sweatpants, if you’re anything like me).

There is no blanket version of success, and I suspect you are here because you are tired of the version we have been sold. We don’t dream of labor and hustle culture is toxic in our eyes. But we have the drive to build something big, so that we can take advantage of the fruits of our labor, far sooner rather than later

Are you finally ready to spend more time doing things that light up your soul? Then let’s get started

Send Message