Practically Adulting Resources: A Curated Guide to Secular Ethics and Spiritual Meaning

This list of resources was created to accompany our 'Soul: Connecting with Your Core' article, part of our 'Pillars of Practical Self Care' series.

When you begin the journey of connecting with your core, it’s natural to want a map. This page is that map. We’ve compiled a curated list of trusted books, organizations, and websites to support you, whether you’re navigating spiritual deconstruction, exploring secular ethics, or seeking practical tools to enhance your self-care practice. Consider this your go-to guide for finding community, purpose, and meaning.

• Recovering from Religion: A non-profit organization that offers support groups, a peer-support hotline, and a database of secular therapists. They provide a safe and understanding community for people navigating doubt, disbelief, and religious trauma.

  • Website: recoveringfromreligion.org

• The Secular Therapy Project: A resource that connects individuals with licensed, vetted therapists who are committed to providing evidence-based, non-religious treatment. This is an excellent resource for anyone seeking professional help without a religious or spiritual agenda.

  • Website: seculartherapy.org

• Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion by Marlene Winell, Ph.D.: A classic book that provides a compassionate and practical guide for healing from the effects of authoritarian religion. It offers a framework for understanding and recovering from religious trauma.

  • Goodreads page: goodreads.com/book/show/824368.Leaving_the_Fold

• A Bigger Table: Building Messy, Authentic, and Hopeful Spiritual Community by John Pavlovitz: While written from a progressive Christian perspective, this book is highly relevant to anyone who feels like an outsider in their religious community. It champions inclusivity and provides a model for finding or creating a more authentic, accepting community.

  • Website: johnpavlovitz.com/a-bigger-table/

Resources for Secular Ethics and Meaning

These links and books explore how to build a meaningful life and ethical framework outside of traditional religious belief. These resources for secular ethics will help you find meaning in everyday life regardless of your spiritual beliefs.

• The Humanist Manifesto: A series of manifestos outlining the philosophy of humanism, which centers on reason, ethics, and justice, while rejecting supernaturalism. It's a foundational text for understanding secular ethics.

  • Website: americanhumanist.org/what-is-humanism/the-humanist-manifesto/

• The Dalai Lama: His Holiness the Dalai Lama has frequently spoken on the importance of "secular ethics," emphasizing that compassion, kindness, and love are human values that transcend religion. His teachings offer a powerful perspective on finding meaning without a theistic framework.

  • Article on Secular Ethics: dalailama.com/the-dalai-lama/buddhist-and-spiritual-masters/dalai-lama-on-ethics

• Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times by Jonathan Sacks: While written by a Rabbi, this book offers a beautiful and profound meditation on the universal moral truths that unite us all, regardless of belief. It's a great read for anyone interested in the philosophical roots of a compassionate society.

  • Goodreads page: goodreads.com/book/show/43513337-morality

Resources for Mindfulness and Presence Practice

These are excellent, widely respected resources for learning and practicing mindfulness, a key component of soul care.

• Mindful.org: A comprehensive website with articles, guided meditations, and practical advice on integrating mindfulness into daily life. It’s an easy-to-navigate resource for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

  • Website: mindful.org

• 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works by Dan Harris: Written by a skeptical journalist, this book is an accessible and often humorous entry point into meditation. It demystifies the practice and makes a compelling, science-based case for its benefits.

  • Website: tenpercent.com/book

This journey is your own, and every step you take to connect with your core is a victory. We hope these resources serve you well and provide the guidance and support you deserve. Be gentle with yourself, and remember that self-care is always a practical step toward a more whole and fulfilling life.