Mindfulness After Religious Trauma: Reclaiming Spirituality on My Own Terms

Hey Tribe,

While sitting down writing about Religious Trauma Syndrome recently, I found myself reflecting on mindfulness; what it means to me now, and how it still feels complicated. 

Mindfulness is often praised for its benefits, and for many, it can be a powerful tool. But for those of us who've experienced religious trauma, it can also be triggering. That's why I believe so strongly in individual, client-centered approaches to healing. What works for one person might not feel safe for another - and that's okay. 

As I look back on my own spiritual journey, I can see how some beliefs I once held have shifted; for example, I no longer carry the same views around sex before marriage. But marriage itself? That still holds meaning for me. It's a reminder that healing isn't about rejecting everything; it's more about choosing what aligns with who we are now. 

Growing up, I was taught not to seek answers outside of the Bible or the elders. Curiosity was discouraged, and that limited my ability to explore and grow. When I left, I felt liberated - but also lost. I had stripped away an identity that no longer fit, but I didn't yet know what to replace it with. 

It wasn't until I began exploring spirituality on my own terms that things started to shift. I gave myself permission to ask questions, to be curious and to learn from a variety of perspectives. That space - combined with therapy and receiving diagnoses that validated my experiences - was the beginning of my true deconstruction journey. 

Even now, I find myself rewording things to better suit my current beliefs. I've learned that I don't need to subscribe to a single system or structure to find peace; for me, spirituality, mindfulness and healing aren't one-size-fits-all. There is power in learning from different beliefs and building something for that feels right for you. 

Pulling pieces from different traditions and creating my own framework has helped me stay grounded. It's allowed me to keep deconstructing without shutting down or feeling the need to argue. That, in itself, has been a huge shift - and one I'm proud of. 

If you've found ways to explore mindfulness or spirituality that feel safe and supportive, I'd love to hear them. Drop a comment below and share what's helped you - maybe it's help someone else too (myself included ❤️).

Let's keep breaking those chains together. 

With love.