Deconstructing Mormonism: Spiritual Bypassing w/ Stephanie and Kelli (#188)

Mormons on Mushrooms

This episode is also available on YouTube
Mike is joined by Stephanie Brinkerhoff and Kelli Christine for a heartfelt and insightful discussion about their personal journeys out of Mormonism, the healing power of psychedelics, and navigating the complex emotions that come with deconstructing religious belief systems.

They explore topics like spiritual bypassing, the importance of embracing grief and anger, and how these raw emotions can lead to deeper self-understanding and growth. The conversation sheds light on the tension between wanting to leave the past behind and the continual process of healing from religious trauma.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Stephanie's and Kelli’s individual journeys of leaving Mormonism and how psychedelics helped them through their transitions.
• The concept of spiritual bypassing and why avoiding difficult emotions can block true healing.
• The role of anger and grief in personal growth, and how to honor these emotions rather than suppress them.
• How Mormonism’s focus on "happiness" as a measure of success can perpetuate emotional suppression.
• The importance of internal family systems (IFS) and parts work in healing from religious trauma.
• Breaking free from external validation and finding an authentic sense of self.

Notable Quotes:

• "I realized I've been giving myself love this whole time—I just thought it was Mormon God." – Stephanie
• "We have to be in that gestation period, in the cocoon, and trust that process before we can emerge on the other side." – Mike
• "Our souls want full participation in the human experience, and that includes both pleasure and pain." – Kelli

Recommended Resources:

• The Soul’s Code by James Hillman
• Perfect Love, Imperfect Relationships by John Wellwood (coined the term "spiritual bypassing")
• Francis Weller’s teachings on grief and the full spectrum of human experience.

Connect with Us: Follow Mormons on Mushrooms for more insights and episodes on spirituality, psychedelics, and life after leaving Mormonism:

• Instagram: @MormonsOnMushrooms
• Website: MormonsOnMushrooms.com
• YouTube: @MormonsOnMushrooms

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