Episode 035 of Living in Response is a special request for my thoughts on the shifting back and forth between religious and spiritual ideals. A little outside of my comfort zone but some of the advice I got from one of my teachers recently was to say the things that scare me so this feels like that lol. As always, I speak for myself and no one else.

Thanks for listening! No pressure invitation to consider subscribing / following to show support for this raw, stream of consciousness exploration in speaking <3

Topics Covered in This Episode:Summarized (mostly) with AI

1️⃣ From Catholic Roots to Spiritual RebirthI open up about growing up Catholic, attending Christian school, and the religious trauma that shaped my early beliefs. I share how discovering spirituality offered a new path—but not without judgment, deconstruction, and healing.

2️⃣ Softening Toward ReligionOver time, my rigid stance against religion has softened. I now see how religion can offer structure, purpose, and connection for some—while acknowledging its flaws. It’s not black and white.

3️⃣ Spiritual Hypocrisy & The Illusion of “Better”I reflect on how new age spaces aren’t free from contradiction—preaching love and unity while hoarding wealth or trashing music festivals. I explore how both religion and spirituality have their shadow sides.

4️⃣ Curiosity as a Way of BeingInstead of debating, I now lean into curiosity. When someone holds a belief I don’t understand, I ask questions—not to change their mind, but to understand their perspective. It changes everything.

5️⃣ Evidence Doesn’t Always ConvinceFrom fluoride to vaccines to astrology, I share how “evidence” isn’t always the deciding factor. Sometimes, it’s about how something lands in the body—and learning to trust that over logic alone.

6️⃣ Astrology is a Pattern, Not a BeliefI break down my take on astrology—not as superstition, but as a system of natural patterns rooted in earth, season, and time. It’s not about belief—it’s about observation, resonance, and ancient wisdom.

7️⃣ On Belief, Identity, and Switching SidesWhat does it mean when someone flips between conflicting beliefs? I explore how it could reflect deeper embodiment, soul evolution, or just the natural wobble of being human. It’s not always linear.

8️⃣ Letting Go of Convincing PeopleI share how I used to be more argumentative—trying to prove my “awakened” perspective. Now, I focus on my own embodiment. No more debates in comment sections. Just being the change, not preaching it.

9️⃣ The Spiritual Path Isn’t About Stuff AnymoreI reflect on how my spirituality has shifted from a tool for achieving or manifesting, to a practice of remembering who I am. Not about fixing. Not about gaining. Just being in relationship with energy and life.

🔟 Everyone’s Soul Path is DifferentI close with compassion for those who are in flux. Switching beliefs. Questioning everything. I don’t know anyone else’s soul path. And I don’t need to. What matters is that we honor the mystery—and each other.

Thanks to the person who prompted today’s stream of consciousness <3

Mystically,

Belle

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