Mormon Transitions

In this first of two parts, Sean Lindsay describes his discovery and practice of yoga and meditation, and how they have enriched his life.

Kristy interviews Seth Lamb, father of two toddlers and moderator of the Thoughtful Transitions Support Group, on his faith journey and they talk about concerns and tools parents of young children in a similar situation can utilize.   Issues discussed include: -Learning from and dissecting what we internalized from our parents and what we want to carry over as new parents -Modeling for your kids how to follow the path that feels right for you, so that your children will not feel scared to follow their hearts and live authentically as they get older.  And that unorthodoxy doesn't translate into being a "bad person," helping them to learn inclusivity/acceptance of others -Examples of when your toddler asks, "why aren't you going to church, Mommy/Daddy?"  (if one/both of you are taking a sabbatical from LDS church) Note:  Apology in advance--the snoring baby noises you'll hear in this episode and most of these episodes come from one of my 2 month old twins sleeping as I record

Andrew Ainsworth introduces the upcoming "Exploring Spirituality" series on Mormon Transitions, which will feature interviews with uncorrelated and post-Mormons about the secular and religious spiritual paths they've discovered since moving beyond orthodox LDS belief.

At first glance, strangers might mistakenly label Royleane and Steve Otteson  "unequally yoked" because Roy is active in the LDS Church and Steve has transitioned.  In fact, these two are an amazing pair of equals who have navigated their own unique faith transitions with dignity and respect for each other and closeness in their relationship.  Join Kristy as they share their story and  insights about what worked for them and as the model practical exercises on building mutual respect, step 2 in a 6 step solution-focused series for couples.   For couples who want to do these exercises at home, you can download the free workbook Kristy put together here.   Related episodes for navigating mixed-faith marriages as a couple, from John Gottman's research tailored to Mormon couples with practical solutions: Step 1: Getting Vulnerable

The most common question Mormons in transition have asked Kristy in her work as a psychologist is how--or even whether or not--to tell their friends and family about their faith transition.  The "if" and "how" answers vary widely for every individual as each case is unique, but this episode seeks to give practical guidelines and important considerations for those who are leaning toward this step in their journey toward authenticity.   From exercises based in this workbook Kristy put together for her clients. Have you already had "the talk" or "the letter"?  How did it go?  Better than you worried it would?  If you'd like to come on the podcast to share your story of coming out to friends and family, with advice from your own experience to those who are considering doing it too, don't be a stranger, contact me here!  Many people have found it healing in their own journey to know that what they went through can help others by sharing and making meaning of their experience. Other links mentioned in this episode: Mormon Stories podcast episode on Dr. Fowler's stages of Faith Dr. Fowler's book, Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Human Development and Quest for Meaning

In this episode, host (Kristy) and her husband, Rolf, complete exercises together that optimize vulnerability and intimacy in relationships, a necessary foundation for couples who are committed to navigating a faith transition healthfully and positively.  Such exercises from this workbook are for mixed-faith couples, as well as those who are transitioning together (after all, a faith journey is so individual so even couples who are relatively "on the same page" from an outsider's perspective will have natural differences and unique perspectives, not matching up completely, which is to be expected). Drawing on Dr. John Gottman's decades of couples counseling research at the University of Washington, Kristy tailored his findings to Mormon couples where one or both are experiencing a faith transition.   If you and your spouse would like to come on for an episode with Kristy, please contact her through Mormon Transitions or [email protected], your inquiries will be kept confidential, and if you decide to be on an episode pseudonyms or first-names only are welcome.