The Clearing Podcast Ad-Free: Elissa Altman
The Clearing Podcast released an ad‑free episode featuring author Elissa Altman, available to paid subscribers. Listeners who start or renew an annual subscription in March enter a prize draw for a signed copy of Altman's book, writing supplies, and branded stickers. The conversation explores family trauma, the need for rest, and literary nostalgia, referencing Mary Oliver and Wallace Stegner. Production credits highlight the Substack team behind the show, reinforcing its boutique, creator‑focused model.
The Two Swords and the Eternal Soul
The essay, authored by retired mathematics professor John Emil Thomas Bernard, argues that Christianity’s belief in an immortal soul obliges believers to active, heroic virtue rather than passive piety. Historically, Christians embraced a dual‑sword model—spiritual warfare through prayer and sacraments,...
The Boy of the Blue Pews
In "The Boy of the Blue Pews," the author reflects on growing up in a Baptist church where rows of blue pews symbolized a tight‑knit community that shaped his values, ethics, and sense of belonging. He describes how the congregation...
All Alone with Your Thoughts: Solipsism, Reality and the Lonely Universe
The post revisits solipsism, the philosophical claim that only one’s own mind can be known to exist, tracing its roots to Descartes’ famous “Cogito, ergo sum.” It argues that this ancient doubt resurfaces in today’s AI discourse, where the line...
Five Practical Ideas From Socrates
Donald J. Robertson distills Socrates’ ancient philosophy into five actionable ideas for modern professionals. He highlights the power of relentless questioning, the necessity of admitting ignorance, and the centrality of self‑knowledge in decision‑making. The piece also frames dialogue as a...
Mirror, Mirror: How Christian Women Can Trade Vanity for Faithful Body Stewardship
Kate Horney’s latest post urges Christian women to replace body‑obsessed vanity with a biblical model of faithful stewardship. She argues that self‑worth tied to appearance creates spiritual bondage, while Scripture frames the body as a God‑given gift to serve others....
Struggle and Ill Will: The Peace That Doesn’t Strive
George Cassidy Payne argues that struggle rooted in ill will—an aggressive desire for specific outcomes—creates suffering, while true peace arises from non‑striving and acting without attachment. Drawing on Buddha, Jesus, the Bhagavad Gita, and Lao zi, he shows that the ego’s endless...
If Your Past Self Doesn't Embarrass You, You're Stuck
David Pereira turns 38 and reflects on a lifelong journey from a modest factory‑worker family to a global product‑leadership coach. He credits early exposure to curious minds, relentless self‑directed problem solving, and a habit of taking responsibility without waiting for...
A Soul Minimalist's Guide to the Inner Life
The author introduces "soul minimalism," a practice of clearing mental clutter to let the inner self speak. By highlighting how invisible influences—unaddressed trauma and negative self‑talk—occupy mental space, the piece argues that intentional spiritual formation can restore wisdom, courage, and...
How to (Really) Read Tarot Cards
The author shares a decade‑long journey from casual tarot curiosity to mastering the full 78‑card deck, positioning tarot as a personal development tool. The post outlines essential meanings, interpretation techniques, and practical tips for beginners seeking structured practice. It emphasizes...
Best of Both Worlds Podcast: Understanding the Mattering Instinct with Philosopher Rebecca Goldstein
Best of Both Worlds podcast released its first philosopher interview, featuring Rebecca Newberger Goldstein. Goldstein discusses her research on the “mattering instinct,” explaining why humans instinctively seek significance in personal and professional realms. She references her book, *The Mattering Instinct*,...
The Art of Flourishing: Aristotle's Blueprint for the Good Life
Aristotle’s notion of eudaimonia reframes the good life as human flourishing achieved through virtuous action, not fleeting pleasure. He contrasts this with hedonism, arguing that true happiness stems from fulfilling one’s potential rather than chasing comfort. The philosopher’s Doctrine of...
Five Examples of Extraordinary People According to Nietzsche
The blog post examines Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch, tracing its first appearance in *Human, All Too Human* and its fuller development in *Thus Spoke Zarathustra*. It highlights five disparate figures Nietzsche cites—ranging from warlords to messianic leaders—to illustrate the...
How Understanding Yourself Can Change Everything You Do
Self‑awareness, often mischaracterized as self‑consciousness, is presented as a powerful personal asset. The article explains that understanding one’s values, triggers, and emotional patterns enables better decision‑making, stronger relationships, and greater emotional resilience. It outlines practical steps such as daily check‑ins,...
In the Desert of the Heart
Paul Kingsnorth’s essay reflects on the Christian tradition of silence, tracing its roots from early desert fathers to the hesychastic practices of St Gregory Palamas. He argues that true inner stillness—essential for theosis—cannot be achieved merely by fleeing external noise, because the...
You Have Nothing to Prove...
The post reminds readers that their worth and every spiritual blessing come "by His doing," not through personal effort or achievement. It contrasts the common urge to prove oneself with the gospel’s invitation to rest in Christ’s wisdom, righteousness, sanctification,...
The Gift that Makes You Unmeasurably Rich
The post marks Day 14 of a devotional series that spotlights God’s limitless mercy as a spiritual gift that makes believers richer than any material wealth. It invites readers to pause, reflect on divine compassion, and re‑evaluate success through relational...
How I Found Focus and Presence When Meditation Didn’t Work
The author describes how conventional seated meditation felt hostile, prompting a shift to spontaneous, nature‑based attention. A simple pause by a tree, observing a leaf without intent, softened her tension and revealed a gentler path to presence. Repeated micro‑moments of...
Returning Home — March 8–14
The March 8–14 post “Returning Home” uses tarot symbols to describe a paradox where family fulfillment coexists with a deep sense of not belonging, urging readers toward a spiritual break. It frames the inner quest as surrendering identity, embracing emptiness,...
Psychedelic Science and Radical Healing, with Gül Dölen
The episode with neuroscientist Gül Dölen explores how psychedelic‑assisted therapies are delivering dramatic results for complex PTSD, addiction and treatment‑resistant depression. Clinical trials across universities show rapid symptom relief and measurable neuroplastic changes. Dölen highlights the science behind these outcomes,...
Why Closure Is Often Self-Created, Not Externally Given
Many people expect closure from others—an apology, explanation, or conversation—yet life rarely provides neat endings. The article explains that the mind craves complete narratives, causing endless replay until acceptance replaces the need for answers. True closure is a personal decision...
Why Purpose Feels Different Later?
The article explains how purpose evolves from a loud, achievement‑focused drive in early career stages to a quieter, personally aligned motivation later in life. Initially, purpose is tied to proving oneself, gaining recognition, and rapid growth. Over time, experiences such...
What to Do with the Weight of Unmet Expectations
The post explores how unmet expectations create a heavy emotional load, often manifesting as guilt and resentment. It argues that embracing forgiveness can dissolve that weight and restore mental clarity. By shifting perspective from blame to understanding, readers can transform...
Festivals & Retreats in Greece, Montengro, Austria & Croatia
The summer calendar across the Balkans and Central Europe is packed with niche wellness gatherings that blend movement, music, and mindful community. Crete’s Cocoon Retreat offers a five‑day program focused on conscious intimacy, while Montenegro’s Pachamama Play Festival centers on...
How to Find Your Purpose — by Letting Go 🤲
The Good Trade article argues that finding personal purpose begins with the act of letting go—releasing rigid expectations and external validation. It encourages readers to seek moments of presence, whether through nature, meditation, or low‑stimulation TV shows that calm the...
The Gift You Didn’t Earn
The blog reflects on unearned grace as spontaneous, non‑transactional kindness that arrives without merit. It cites Sarah Perry’s description of grace as a favor that doesn’t keep score, highlighting its indiscriminate nature. The author notes how many people internalize a...
But We Had Music
Maria Popova’s seventh annual Universe in Verse series debuted an animated poem titled “But We Had Music,” a collaboration with Australian musician Nick Cave and Brazilian visual artist Daniel Bruson. The piece blends poetry, astrophysics and music to confront humanity’s fleeting...
After Atheism: One Writer’s Search for Faith
Former Harper’s editor and novelist recounts his shift from Catholic altar boy to atheist and now a “skeptical believer,” arguing that belief is unavoidable because science cannot prescribe how to live. He illustrates how personal decisions—from career choices to marriage—are...
Set Apart by the Sacrifice
Day 12 of the "Holiness" devotional series, titled "Set Apart by the Sacrifice," underscores that believers should not merely admire God’s holiness but actively receive it. The post highlights the Cross as more than a symbol of forgiveness, portraying it...
The Cave We Live In: Plato's Vision of Reality and the Path to Enlightenment
The post revisits Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, drawing a parallel between the ancient shadows on the wall and today’s algorithm‑driven media bubbles. It outlines the painful journey from ignorance to enlightenment, emphasizing the philosopher’s role in guiding others toward...
The Hard Work of Loving Well
Stephen Grosz’s new book *Love’s Labor* reframes love as an ongoing, demanding practice rather than a sentimental refuge. He argues that confronting confusion, pain, and inevitable loss is essential to building authentic connections. The work draws on decades of psychoanalytic...
Edgar Cayce, Astrology, and the Blueprint of the Soul
The post argues that a cultural reawakening is driving renewed interest in esoteric practices such as Edgar Cayce’s readings and astrology. It suggests that more individuals are seeking self‑knowledge beyond conventional science, positioning the “blueprint of the soul” as a...
Set on Fire for Good
The Day 11 entry of the "Praying the Promises of the Cross" series, titled "Set on Fire for Good," frames the Cross as a catalyst for active zeal rather than merely a symbol of forgiveness. The author urges readers to...
Your Body Is a Cage & Here Is the Key
The post announces a new guide that bundles five systematic out‑of‑body experience (OBE) techniques into a single training program. It merges methods from the Monroe Institute with Tibetan yogic dream‑portal practices, promising at least one approach will work for any...
Emil Cioran: On Individual and Cosmic Loneliness and the Weariness of Being Human
Emil Cioran distinguishes two forms of loneliness: the personal, felt even amid beauty, and the cosmic, arising from an awareness of the universe’s isolation. The essay argues that individual loneliness is a self‑contained drama, while cosmic loneliness reflects an objective...
Distortion Mantra: Finding Your Calling and Genre
Rob Argent reflects on how personal music preferences—Blur, Oasis, Radiohead—became proxies for identity and group affiliation. He observes that people often cling to external symbols rather than shedding them, leading to polarized debates that echo childhood arguments. Argent champions the...