Darkness into Light

Recently, I have been reflecting upon whether or not to begin disclosing material of a personal nature, especially in regard to my past. The primary question of mine has been how to bring the experience of my past out into the open with friends and family. However, it struck me that it might be easier to do so, even in a more comprehensive way, via one of the platforms whereof I have been presenting my thoughts on what is most important to me – my religious path.

For it is solely my connection to G-d that has brought me through everything that I have been dealing with for decades. The aftermath of what I went through still resides in my heart, in need of redemption from the shadows that still surround that experience, so many years ago. What better way to reclaim my past, by bringing out into the light, what remains hidden, in the darkness of my psyche.

My background in psychology has helped me to review my experience in a more objective manner, than if I did not have that background; yet, the emotional components remain stuck to some degree, only showing up in ways that may be considered as maladaptive coping mechanisms with material that has yet to be resolved from the perspective of therapy. I am my own therapist; and, G-d is my mentor. This is how it’s been more or less, ever since I escaped from a New Age Millenarian therapy cult in 1994.

I may decide to create an accompanying video for each topic that I delve into, so as to go into more depth on that topic, in an up-front, candid, honest way, beyond what is possible through the more cerebral process of writing. For, I only now realized what has been influencing me subconsciously to withhold disclosure about my experience in the therapy cult: an implicit threat against talking about the nature of the therapy sessions, made by my therapist years ago.

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Author: tzvifievel

I am Jewish. I write divrei Torah, poetry, and brief essays on modern culture. I am interested in exploring Judaism beyond a surface level of belief and practice; I try to emphasize kavanah in prayer, mitzvoth, and study.

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