It's Now Again by Jeremy West

In this episode, I’m joined by Matthew Boswell for a slow, open conversation across difference.Matt and I come from very different backgrounds.I approach mindfulness from a secular, psychology based perspective.Matt moved through atheism and later returned to Christianity, and now serves as a pastor.Rather than debating beliefs or trying to persuade each other, we talk about how belief forms, how doubt lives in the body, and what belonging can mean when people hold very different worldviews.We explore upbringing, identity, faith, secularism, certainty, uncertainty, and what it takes to stay present and curious in conversations where agreement is not the goal.This episode is about listening without needing to win.About understanding without collapsing difference.And about what becomes possible when people remain in relationship across belief.Matthew is the pastor of Redemption Church in Duvall, Washington, which you can find at iamrc.org.He also hosts a podcast called Everyday Missionary, available at everyday-missionary.com, where he reflects on faith and everyday life.Alongside this podcast, I host Calm Hours, a free, secular sanctuary where people can rest together without fixing, sharing, or performing.This work is community supported.You can learn more at jeremywest.net

Join comedian (and philosopher?) Myq Kaplan and I for a long, reflective conversation about his experiences with ayahuasca.Rather than offering advice or instruction, Myq speaks openly about what these experiences were like for him, how they shifted his relationship with fear, death, love, and belief, and how he now holds uncertainty with more ease.We talk about psychedelic experiences not as answers, but as moments that can reframe questions.About surrender, humility, and the difference between insight and integration.About spirituality without dogma, and meaning without certainty.Myq also shares how these experiences influenced his comedy, including his album AKA, which is largely shaped by his ayahuasca journeys and is available via his website at myqkaplan.com. His handle on all the socials is @myqkaplan.His newer special Rini is available on YouTube.This is not a guide to ayahuasca.It’s a thoughtful, human conversation about experience, interpretation, and living honestly with not knowing.Alongside this podcast, I host Calm Hours, a free, secular sanctuary where people can rest together without fixing, sharing, or performance.This work is community supported.You can learn more at jeremywest.net

Deconstructing your faith is a deeply personal and often painful journey, especially when it’s intertwined with trauma. In today’s episode, we explore the struggles of processing a fundamentalist upbringing, dealing with PTSD rooted in religion, and addressing well-meaning but challenging questions from family. Discover how mindfulness can help you rest comfortably in the unknown and empower you to navigate conversations with compassion and boundaries.

Moving from shame and self-hatred to self-love is a vital step in your deconstruction journey, especially when leaving evangelical culture and its toxic teachings. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West shares practical tools, book recommendations, and alternative practices for cultivating self-compassion and silencing the internal voices of shame.

Leaving a faith tradition can feel like losing a connection to the spiritual practices that once grounded us. In this episode, Jeremy shares his personal journey of deconstructing evangelical Christianity and finding new ways to engage with spirituality. Whether it’s through mindfulness, connecting with nature, or observing the beauty in life’s patterns, Jeremy explores how to create a non-religious, non-dogmatic spiritual practice that nurtures your soul.

What do you do when the idea of God feels overwhelming or anxiety-inducing? In this episode, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can help you navigate feelings of dread and powerlessness when grappling with existential questions about life, death, and the nature of God. Discover tools to find peace in uncertainty, reclaim a sense of agency, and cultivate a life grounded in the present moment.

Religious teachings that frame suffering as deserved can deeply harm our mental health, especially for those already dealing with depression. In this episode, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can help us deconstruct these beliefs, reclaim a sense of safety in the world, and cultivate self-compassion. Learn practical steps to heal from the damage caused by harmful theological ideas and reconnect with your inherent worth as a human being.

During deconstruction, standard Christian phrases can feel like roadblocks to genuine connection. In this episode, Jeremy West shares insights into navigating the frustration of reductive religious language. Learn how mindfulness can help you process these moments, reclaim meaningful conversations, and engage with others authentically, even when faced with triggering phrases.

Even after leaving a faith tradition, the fear of hell can linger, deeply ingrained in our minds and emotions. In this episode, Jeremy West explores why this fear persists and how mindfulness can help untangle its grip. Learn practical techniques for acknowledging fear, challenging beliefs, and embracing peace through curiosity and self-compassion.

Life is full of unexpected challenges, like flat tires on a Saturday night. In this episode, Jeremy West shares how a mindfulness parable helped him navigate a difficult setback with curiosity and acceptance. Learn how to shift your perspective, respond to challenges with grace, and embrace life’s uncertainties as opportunities for growth.

Parenting after leaving a faith tradition can feel daunting, as you navigate life without the guidance of religious frameworks. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West shares practical mindfulness strategies for redefining values, fostering open communication, and raising children with authenticity and empathy. Discover how to create new traditions, guide moral dilemmas, and support your child's growth while aligning with your evolving beliefs.

Leaving a faith tradition often brings profound questions about life's uncertainties, including the fear of deathIn this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can help you embrace life’s impermanence, find peace in the present, and reframe death as part of a natural cycle. Learn grounding exercises, reflection practices, and affirmations to navigate this fear with clarity and compassion.

Religious trauma can leave lasting emotional scars, but healing is possible. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can help you process pain, release guilt, and rebuild trust in yourself. Learn practical steps, from grounding techniques to reframing spirituality, that will guide you toward a life of authenticity and peace.

After leaving a faith tradition, finding joy can feel like an uphill battle. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how to redefine joy on your terms, let go of "shoulds," and embrace the small, meaningful moments that bring happiness. Learn practical steps to cultivate gratitude, build connections, and discover joy that feels authentic to your journey.

Gratitude might feel out of reach when navigating the challenges of leaving a faith tradition, but it can become a powerful tool for healing and growth. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how gratitude helps anchor us in the present, reframe challenges, and find small moments of beauty amidst uncertainty. Learn practical techniques to cultivate gratitude daily and transform your deconstruction journey with mindfulness.

In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, we tackle a vital question: how do you explore and integrate new spiritual or philosophical perspectives that align with your evolving beliefs? Discover how mindfulness, curiosity, and openness can guide your journey, helping you build a worldview that feels authentic and meaningful. We’ll discuss using your values as a compass, experimenting with practices, seeking diverse voices, and avoiding dogmatic traps.

Faith deconstruction can be an emotionally challenging journey, filled with grief, anxiety, and uncertainty. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, we explore practical ways to support your mental health. From mindfulness exercises and therapy options to finding community and practicing self-care, discover the resources and strategies that can help you navigate this transformative process with clarity and resilience.

How do you maintain meaningful relationships with family and friends who remain in the religious tradition you've left? In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, we explore how mindfulness can help you approach these dynamics with compassion, clarity, and boundaries. Discover practical strategies to foster understanding, maintain your authenticity, and navigate challenging interactions while honoring your journey.

Developing a moral framework outside of religious doctrines can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to align your values with your authentic self.In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West guides you through steps to reflect on your core values, cultivate empathy, make mindful decisions, and learn from mistakes.Discover how mindfulness can help you create a meaningful and ethical life beyond religious guidance.

Fear of judgment from loved ones can make the deconstruction journey even more challenging. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can help you manage the fear of criticism and rejection with clarity and compassion. Learn how to set healthy boundaries, respond intentionally, and find strength in your truth while fostering understanding and connection.

Anxiety and uncertainty often accompany the deconstruction journey, leaving us feeling untethered and unsure of the future. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West shares practical mindfulness techniques and personal insights to help you navigate these challenging emotions. Learn how to anchor yourself in the present moment, embrace the unknown with curiosity, and cultivate self-compassion as you rebuild your foundation beyond faith.

Emotions can feel overwhelming, especially during the upheaval of leaving a faith-based community. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores the metaphor of emotions as weather, offering mindfulness practices to navigate the storms of grief, anger, confusion, and doubt. Learn how to observe your emotional "weather" without judgment, anchor yourself in your values, and rebuild your sense of self with compassion and curiosity.

Leaving a faith-based community often leaves us questioning who we are. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can guide us in rebuilding our identity with intention and compassion. Discover practical steps to embrace uncertainty, define your core values, and reconnect with your authentic self. Whether you’re feeling lost or ready to start fresh, this episode offers tools to help you rediscover purpose and build a meaningful life beyond religion.

This is a speech I'm giving at a Toastmasters speech competition tomorrow in which I share my personal journey of recognizing life's subtle and not-so-subtle lessons. Through the metaphor of feathers, bricks, and trucks, Jeremy explores how life's challenges guide us toward mindfulness and self-discovery. From career dissatisfaction to a life-altering accident, learn how mindfulness can transform setbacks into opportunities for growth, presence, and purpose. Discover the importance of tuning into life's gentle nudges before they become harder to ignore.

Explores the journey of finding purpose after leaving religion. Discover how to redefine your values, create a fulfilling life on your terms, and embrace the process of self-discovery. Jeremy shares insights and practical strategies for building a meaningful life rooted in mindfulness and authenticity. Whether you’re navigating feelings of loss or seeking new ways to live with intention, this episode provides a roadmap for transforming uncertainty into empowerment.

One of the most crucial aspects of healing from religious trauma: finding community. Leaving a faith often means losing a built-in support system, which can lead to feelings of isolation and uncertainty. Jeremy shares strategies for creating new networks of support, whether through online groups, local meetups, or mindfulness circles. Discover how community can serve as a "campfire" during dark times, providing warmth, understanding, and a safe space for rebuilding after leaving religious frameworks.

In this deeply personal episode of Mindful Deconstruction, host Jeremy West shares his transformative journey from training as a pastor to finding peace and purpose in mindfulness after deconstructing his faith. Jeremy opens up about the doubts and challenges he faced, the process of letting go of old beliefs, and the power of mindfulness to build a grounded sense of self and meaning. Whether you're navigating religious trauma or seeking a deeper connection to your true self, this episode provides insights into the healing and empowering role mindfulness can play.

Welcome to Mindful Deconstruction, a podcast dedicated to those navigating life beyond religious beliefs. Join Jeremy West as he shares mindful tools and insights to support your journey of healing, growth, and rediscovery. This safe space offers practical guidance, self-compassion, and exercises to help you unpack old beliefs and construct a life rooted in peace, authenticity, and your own values.

The deeply personal question many face while healing from religious trauma: Is it okay to hold on to certain religious beliefs? Jeremy shares insights on how to mindfully navigate this journey, honoring what still resonates without feeling bound by past frameworks. Learn how to identify, keep, or let go of beliefs in a way that supports your growth, peace, and authenticity.

The impact of overthinking and self-doubt that often persist after leaving a strict religious background. Learn how mindfulness can help break the cycle of self-criticism and transform these thoughts into a foundation of self-trust. With practical tips for grounding, reframing, and practicing self-compassion, Jeremy guides you through small steps that empower you to reclaim confidence and inner peace.

The transformative role of self-compassion in healing from religious trauma. Discover how kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness can serve as powerful tools to rewrite your inner dialogue, replace self-criticism, and foster peace on your journey. Jeremy shares practical techniques to nurture self-compassion and tips to reconnect with yourself in a compassionate, empowering way.

The transformative journey of rediscovering spirituality after experiencing religious trauma. We explore how to let go of old belief systems, cultivate a new sense of spirituality, and connect with peace, nature, creativity, and community. Whether through mindfulness, nature, or personal reflection, learn how to shape a spiritual path that aligns with your true self and brings a renewed sense of purpose and connection.

The importance of setting boundaries on the journey to healing from religious trauma. Many who have left high-control religious communities struggle with boundaries, often feeling selfish or guilty for asserting their needs. Learn why boundaries are essential for self-care and growth, how to communicate them effectively, and tips for handling resistance. Join us to explore practical steps, from mindfulness techniques to self-compassion, to help you reclaim your peace and protect your well-being.

Reclaiming self-trust is essential for healing from religious trauma, especially if you were taught to distrust your instincts in favor of external authority. In today’s episode, Jeremy West explores how a mindful approach can help you reconnect with your inner voice and regain confidence in your choices. From daily practices to setting boundaries and distinguishing intuition from fear, learn actionable steps to rebuild your sense of self-trust and autonomy.

About the lingering fear of hell and eternal punishment that many experience after leaving strict faith communities. Discover how to release these deep-rooted anxieties by using grounding techniques, self-compassion, and visualization exercises. Learn to reframe this fear as a remnant of past beliefs and create a new, empowered narrative rooted in love and understanding. Join us to take steps toward peace and reclaim your freedom from fear.

Explore the heavy emotions of guilt and shame that often linger after leaving a controlling or dogmatic faith. Discover where these feelings come from, how self-compassion and self-forgiveness can help unburden your mind, and the empowering process of redefining your own values. Learn mindfulness practices to release perfectionism and embrace a more compassionate view of yourself. Join us on this journey toward self-acceptance and inner peace.

The essential first steps to begin healing from religious trauma. Jeremy West discusses the power of grounding techniques, the importance of self-compassion, and the role of supportive communities in the recovery journey. Learn how to start redefining your beliefs in a way that aligns with your values, without conforming to rigid systems. Join us as we celebrate small steps forward, each one bringing you closer to inner peace and self-acceptance.

Join us in the first episode of our special series on healing religious trauma. Today, Jeremy West delves into the signs and symptoms of religious trauma, explaining how controlling religious environments can leave lasting emotional and psychological impacts. Discover how anxiety, shame, self-doubt, and relational struggles often linger even after leaving a strict faith. Learn how mindfulness can aid in recognizing and addressing these effects as the first step toward building a life of peace and self-compassion. Tune in to explore what healing can look like and know that you’re not alone on this journey.

Discover the mindful journey to healing from religious trauma in today's episode. Jeremy West shares insights into overcoming the lingering effects of rigid beliefs, guilt, and shame tied to past religious experiences. Learn how to use self-compassion, grounding techniques, and personal reflection to reclaim self-worth, define your own values, and establish peace beyond former faith boundaries. Through mindfulness, you can build a life that honors your true self and find stability amid the healing process. Embrace each step forward as you create a life rooted in freedom, joy, and personal integrity.

Explore the mindfulness messages woven into Jeremy's favourite TV series, The Good Place. From the power of choice to embracing impermanence, The Good Place offers valuable insights that reflect core mindfulness principles. We'll dive into seven key lessons that guide us toward intentional living, compassion, and finding meaning in the present moment. Join Jeremy as he reveals how these themes from The Good Place can inspire a more mindful, meaningful life.

Explores the often-overlooked task of parking your car—mindfully. Learn how to turn the simple act of parking into a mindfulness practice that keeps you grounded, reduces stress, and ensures you never wander around searching for your car again. Discover techniques to stay present, avoid rushing, and embrace mindfulness in everyday tasks. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers practical tips to enhance your daily life.

Explore the certainty of uncertainty and how learning to embrace the unknown can lead to true peace. Discover mindful practices for navigating life’s unpredictability, letting go of the need for control, and cultivating presence in the here and now. Tune in for a discussion on how mindfulness helps us respond to life’s ever-changing currents with calm and curiosity

Buddha's five remembrances, reflections that highlight the impermanence of life and guide us toward mindfulness, acceptance, and peace. We explore how embracing aging, illness, and even death can help us live more fully. Through mindful awareness of change and loss, we cultivate compassion, gratitude, and alignment with our true nature. Join us as we learn to live in the present moment, accepting life's transient beauty with grace.

You might think you're multitasking, but the truth is you're just rapidly switching between tasks. In this episode, Jeremy West explains how what we often call multitasking is actually a process of quickly shifting attention from one task to another, which can reduce focus and efficiency. Discover how mindfulness can help you break the habit of task-switching and improve your productivity by staying focused on one task at a time.

How meditation can serve as a powerful substitute for prayer, offering similar benefits of reflection, intention setting, and connection—without needing a religious framework. If you've left traditional religion or are seeking an alternative way to find peace, clarity, and support, learn how mindfulness meditation can provide the same sense of grounding and spiritual connection.

How the classic movie The Matrix serves as a metaphor for mindfulness. Just like Neo waking up from the simulated world, mindfulness helps you break free from automatic thoughts and beliefs that shape your perception of reality. Learn how to challenge your thoughts, question the mind’s stories, and live more consciously in the present moment.

How mindfulness can help broaden your perspective and naturally lead to more gratitude, even during difficult times. Inspired by Noah Rashetta from the Secular Buddhism podcast, this episode dives into how taking a step back to see the bigger picture can open the door to appreciating life's complexities and challenges. Learn practical tips on how to cultivate gratitude by expanding your perspective.

The transformative practice of mindful listening. Learn how this powerful tool can deepen your connections with others, foster empathy, and help you gain unique perspectives. Jeremy shares practical tips on how to be fully present in conversations, listen without judgment, and create meaningful relationships through mindful listening.

How mindfulness can help you navigate through an identity crisis. Learn how to let go of rigid labels, ground yourself in the present moment, and approach self-discovery with curiosity. Jeremy shares practical mindfulness tips and personal insights to help you embrace change, find clarity, and move forward with greater ease during times of uncertainty.

How mindfulness can help you craft your own meaning in life. Instead of searching for purpose in external sources like religion, career, or societal expectations, learn how mindfulness empowers you to create a deeply personal and fulfilling sense of purpose based on your own values, experiences, and passions. Discover practical tips to help you live more mindfully, align your actions with what truly matters, and find meaning in every moment of life.