It’s now again. Welcome back to Mindful Deconstruction. I'm your host, Jeremy West, and today I want to talk about spiritual practices that help us connect to something bigger, especially after leaving organized religion.

I myself am not really a believer in anything outside the physical realm, and yet I still have practices that many would consider spiritual.

I came across a post on Reddit’s r/deconstruction community that really resonated with me. Let me read it out for you:

> "I’m new to Reddit, but I’ve been deconstructing my faith, evangelical fundamental Christian, for two years. Deconstruction is not a trendy thing I chose to do, but something I realized was happening, and I painfully fought it tooth and nail.



> At this point, I’m pretty sure there is a Higher Power, or God, or Something out there that is the creative force of love, and I believe that we are physically and/or psychologically wired to engage them in a spiritual way.



> However, most, if not all, organized religions have made an image of spirituality that only serves to keep certain people in power and control others with fear and shame.



> This is a precarious position to hold, since I’m an ordained minister having served the Church in various capacities for many years.



> I believe I need a new career path since many friends and family in my previous congregation have all condemned me to eternal torment in hell. I doubt that’s a real thing, anyway.



> For the final capstone project for my Doctorate in Ministry at an interfaith seminary, I want to create a non-proselytizing, non-religious model of spiritual care.



> Do you engage in any sort of spiritual practice of your own volition? What have you experienced in terms of spiritual engagement using these practices?"



First of all, thank you for sharing your story. I really admire your journey.

I can relate to much of this. I was in training to be a pastor—I even did an internship at a church—and I minored in religion at a secular university. That was the first step toward my own deconstruction.

Deconstruction isn’t easy, and finding a way to engage with spirituality after leaving a faith tradition can be deeply personal and transformative.

I grew up in evangelical Christianity and spent years navigating its teachings, eventually training to be a pastor. But at 23, during my training, my doubts overtook me, and I left the church. For a long time, I felt untethered, unsure of how to connect with the sense of awe and meaning I once felt in my faith.

What eventually helped me rebuild was mindfulness.

Mindfulness as a Spiritual Practice

From a psychology perspective, mindfulness has its roots in Buddhism, but it’s not tied to any religion. It allows for a deep connection to the present moment and, through that, to something greater.

Mindfulness helps me focus on what’s real and tangible—the here and now. For me, this present moment is as close to heaven as I’ll ever be. To me, being fully present is heaven.

Sometimes, of course, it feels like hell, especially during moments of depression. But even then, I find that if I can truly drop into the present moment and find gratitude for being alive, for being sheltered and fed, it feels like heaven in that moment.

Nature as a Spiritual Practice

Like you, I also find a deep spiritual connection in nature. Observing the cycles of life—the way the seasons change, the waves crash, the stars shine—is awe-inspiring.

I often practice mindful walking in nature, focusing on each step and the sensations around me. I notice the rustling leaves, the warmth of the sun, or the coolness of the breeze. These moments remind me of the interconnectedness of life and allow me to feel part of something larger without needing to define it.

Gratitude Practice

Another way I engage spiritually is through daily gratitude. Every morning, I take a few moments to do a gratitude meditation and then write down three things I’m grateful for.

I focus on why these things matter to me. For example, I might write, "Thank you for my children, because spending time with them brings me joy." This practice shifts my focus from what’s lacking to what’s present and abundant in my life.

Gratitude is deeply spiritual because it acknowledges the gifts of life, whether they come from a Higher Power, nature, or the people around us.

Creating Your Own Spiritual Path

I love that you’re creating a non-religious model of spiritual care. Spirituality doesn’t have to be tied to dogma. It can be about cultivating love, awe, and connection in ways that resonate with you.

Here are a few ideas to consider for your model:

Mindful Observation of Life: Journaling, meditative walks, or quiet reflection.

Creative Expression: Painting, writing, or music as ways to connect spiritually.

Community Connection: Creating safe spaces for sharing experiences without judgment or proselytizing.

Honoring Life’s Cycles: Marking personal milestones or seasonal changes.


A Daily Intention

If this resonates with you, you might make today’s Daily Intention:
How many more ways can I engage with the wonder of life and honor my unique spiritual path even more?

For more on setting Daily Intentions, revisit episode 59 of season 1.

Closing Thoughts

To anyone listening, I encourage you to explore what makes you feel connected to something larger than yourself. It doesn’t have to be defined or explained—it only has to feel true for you.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Mindful Deconstruction. If you have questions or thoughts to share, visit jeremywest.net, where you can also learn about my group and one-on-one mindfulness coaching.

Until tomorrow, stay present, keep practicing, and remember, it’s now again.