"If pain is undeniably real, is that which overcomes pain even more real? That's the idea that lurks behind the idea of resurrection." - Jordan Peterson

One of Arthur Brooks' 4 micronutrients for happiness is Faith. It's one of the pillars my partner and I value most. But we have differing perspectives.

My belief in higher power orients towards: 1. Having a personal relationship (no middle men) and 2. Having a felt, embodied connection. Her faith is more oriented in Christianity (and Catholicism in particular).

We're both open-minded, see the value in one anothers' beliefs, and don't have conflict (in fact they live in harmony). But there is one difference...

At a time in her life when pain was high (undeniably real), her faith was a part of her survival.

This puts into perspective one of my favorite ways of relating to the world:

What is true vs. what is useful?

For her (and many like her), faith brings virtue. It's useful for her to achieve the greatest version of herself.

There's plenty of evidence to suggest believing in some higher power is beneficial (this analysis showed 78% of all studies confirmed higher life satisfaction, happiness, and morale). That alone is useful.

But that doesn't make it true.

I consider my animist/shamanic/Buddhist/etc beliefs to be a "delusion".

I use that word because it reminds me to be humble. I have felt the presence of a higher power, but I don't know beyond that.

One of the reasons indigenous traditions resonate so much is because of humility, such as the Lakota phrase "Wakan Tanka" - Great Mystery.

Prompt I like -

"What is one worldview I hold that challenges or concerns you the most?"

I asked this question to my partner during a self-facilitated MDMA session and it illuminated something quite powerful: an area for both our growth.

I got to see where a worldview that feels good and true can also be hurtful and unsafe. She got to see how her worldview can be disempowering.

But there is value in partnership or close friendships with differing perspectives. For those of my friends who I know well (and especially those who I believe share identical values), it's a worthwhile prompt.

If you ask friends who are thoughtful and conscientious, the answer to this question provides: 1. Some clue about what this person has to teach you 2. Spotlight on shadow/dark side of core beliefs.

This is a question I'll ask family, close friends (men's group), and others. It may not yield answers with as much gravitas as an intimate partner on MDMA, but I encourage you to do the same.

With love,

Mansal

Feb 22, 2024

➵ What do I do?: I facilitate transformation. I introduce men to the ancient & sacred art of hunting allowing nature & intimacy with death to provide room for self-growth. If you want to forward this email to a friend, they can sign up for this newsletter here.

➵ Join me: Sacred Hunting is my current mission, guiding people back to nature, teaching hunting, & incorporating indigenous practices. You can read about it in my book Sacred Hunting: Rekindling an Ancient Spiritual Practice.

Visit the website & submit an application if you're feeling called to join an adventure. Next hunt: Feb 29-Mar 3, 2024.

➵ Follow along: I have a YouTube channel called Blood & Spirit where I release weekly videos. I'm also active on Instagram.

➵ Stay informed: Emails get lost in the shuffle. If you want to stay apprised of what I'm up to or experiences I'm facilitating, whitelist [email protected] or add it to your address book.