Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction

Welcome, welcome to the final episode of Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction. Now that I'm into the third year of sharing my deconstruction and deconditioning journey here, I thought that going back and revisiting the idea of faith and how my understanding of faith has shifted and changed would be a nice way to bring things to a close.I actually started drafting my thoughts for this episode back in January, it's taken me this long to put them together and feel in the place where I can share it.I am excited to do so today.This episode gets a little emotional and raw at times, but it's not surprising as I not only share some of the shifts and changes that I have been experiencing and how they have informed my understanding of faith, trust, spirituality and life but also where this is taking me next.I hope you enjoy listening to this episode and I also want to say a huge thank you for being a part of this podcasting journey with me. I hope you will continue joining me as I share written posts via Substack.NB. After recording the episode I realised that the audio wasn't the greatest but it still is fine to listen to, it was such an honest and raw episode that I knew I didn't want to record it again even if it doesn't sound 100% perfect.Lastly, I have a favour to ask, I would love for you to consider leaving a comment or if not liking or sharing this post. Much LoveFlorence O. xPosts and Episodes Mentioned* EP14 Exploring Embodiment* EP10 God Who are You* Second Awakening* Letting Go of Toxic FaithAwakening CoachingYou can also find out about working with me through Coaching and Guidance Support here. Get full access to To Live Life from Soul (A Reflective Journey) at florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to another episode of "Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction". In this episode, I had a conversation with Laura Lewis, a Substack writer, author, and creator of "The Whole Woman Oracle Deck and Guidebook" on embodiment. This is a topic that I feel very strongly about. Even though working somatically is becoming more popular, it doesn't necessarily equate to what embodiment is. Laura and I allowed our conversation to take its path. We explored the idea of embodiment, our experiences of it, the challenges and joys of it, and how it can help support our individual and collective healing. Laura candidly shared her realisation of how New Age spirituality stopped her from living as an embodied, responsive human being, how she stumbled upon Psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and how this, in turn, enabled her to develop a deeper relationship with her body.Please take a moment to listen, like and share this post. Comments are open as usual for podcast episodes, I would love to read (hear) your thoughts on this topic.Meet LauraLaura, a mother of three beautifully wild children, describes herself in her own words as being a woman filled with an undying devotion to her own becoming. Searching for the muse in every stolen moment, her writing has been an avenue for weaving her own meaning into the world, enabling her formerly starved soul to grow satiated once again.Her fondest wish is that her words might offer some sustenance to those women who are still hungry and howling for more.You can meet with and connect with Laura on either one of her Substack publications:* The Whole Woman* An Ode to DevotionYou can also order The Whole Woman Oracle Deck and Guidebook at special pricing for the Christmas season by clicking the image below. Get full access to To Live Life from Soul (A Reflective Journey) at florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction and a deep, reflective, and empowering conversation with my episode guest Ronna Detrick. After leaving a faith she had grown up with and a 20-year marriage to a pastor she took with her the stories of women yearning to be seen, heard, and honoured apart from doctrine and dogma. Ronna's journey is a testament to the courage required to step away from the familiar and confront questions that challenge the very foundations of our identity, in particular as women.In this conversation, we delve into the intricate process of unravelling beliefs and external definitions of self-worth and embracing the profound sovereignty that lies within. We examine the subtle and not-so-subtle ways Patriarchy has shaped us touching on aspects of feminism, feminist theology, and the power of storytelling in reshaping the narrative of women's lives. Ronna graciously shares her wisdom, depth of understanding and her journey of courageously stepping away from the confines of patriarchal norms towards the sovereign woman who has always longed to exist. I hope you enjoy the episode.Meet RonnaRonna Detrick embarked on a transformative journey two decades ago when she left the confines of the church, taking with her the stories of women yearning to be seen, heard, and honoured apart from doctrine and dogma. Her inspiring career has spanned human resources, executive leadership, coaching, and spiritual direction, all while advocating for the empowerment of women.With a strong background in feminist theology, Ronna's insights illuminate the intersection of spirituality, psychology, and life lessons, resonating with those navigating deconstruction and personal growth. Her courageous step away from patriarchal norms exemplifies the power of authenticity and self-discovery.Ronna is also the author of "Rewriting Eve: Rescuing Women's Stories from the Bible and Reclaiming Them as Our Own." which can be purchased in all good online bookstores including Amazon UK and the US*.You can connect with Ronna on her website or her Substack Rewriting with Ronna Detrick.*Affiliate links Get full access to To Live Life from Soul (A Reflective Journey) at florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to another episode of Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction. A few months back, I was invited to share my experience of deconstructing Christianity as a Black British Woman. Though the post was never published, I have been wanting to share it as a podcast episode so here it is.Please note that I talk about some topics that may be difficult or triggering such as inherent racism, slavery and colonisation. I feel like these things need to be said at the very least because they have impacted my own “deconstruction” journey but also knowing that they continue to impact the lives of others like me.Comments are open here for you to share your thoughts and reflections, however, if you do choose to leave a comment, please be mindful of the above.Mentioned in this EpisodeNot Everyone Who Deconstructs is AmericanThank you!I truly appreciate you being a loyal subscriber to this publication. Your support matters, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or leaving a pledge. You can also show your support by buying me a Coffee, sharing with friends or leaving a review on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you listen to the podcast.Florence O. Get full access to To Live Life from Soul (A Reflective Journey) at florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe

Answering some of life's biggest questions for yourself is a big part of the work of Becoming YOU beyond Deconstruction. It's about rediscovering what you truly believe and think, who you really are beyond the conditioning and norms that you previously accepted.Join me in today's episode as I explore probably one of the biggest questions we can ask ourselves - why am I/you/we here on this planet?It's highly likely that your why to date has been wrapped up in social, cultural and religious expectations, from a deconstructing perspective, how much of your why and sense of purpose revolved around the business of your and others' salvation?But maybe all this has done is obscure your most authentic WHY.So today I am reflecting on my journey of answering this question, what has come out for me:* Why do I believe I am here?* What is humanity's purpose/role on this planet?* What are things that stop us from embracing our Why?* How this exploration has challenged, triggered and is recreating me.It's another deep reflection, where I talk about lots of things from human evolution to the ego and with some astrology thrown in lol.Comments are open here for you to share your thoughts and reflections.Mentioned in this EpisodeJas over at here is her post on exploring Chiron placements.You may also be interested in some previous posts that touch on similar themes:* The Life Purpose Question* The Pregnant Feminine* A Different Take on Worshipping in Spirit and in Truth* The Ego Isn't Your EnemyEnjoy!Thank you!I truly appreciate you being a loyal subscriber to this publication. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber of Unfolding or leaving a pledge. You can also show your support by buying me a Coffee, sharing with friends or leaving a review on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you listen to the podcast.Comments are open on this post, so feel free to share your thoughts and reflections.Florence xoxo Get full access to To Live Life from Soul (A Reflective Journey) at florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe

It's been a while since my last podcast episode and one of the reasons why, which I also wrote about previously is the realisation that I need more space around this journey of Becoming. Life can be unpredictable and challenging, and on top of that when you are doing the healing work of returning to authenticity, old wounds and unanswered questions resurface along the way all requiring gentleness, time and space.This podcast episode explores the issue of how to live in a world where pain and sorrow exist, how God can fit into this picture now my beliefs have changed and how this influences and impacts WHO I am being and HOW I live and can thrive despite it all.If you've ever felt let down by God during dark times, feel like you can no longer trust God or even questioned the existence of the Divine due to the presence of suffering in the world…If you have ever struggled to find hope or light again in the midst of pain and wondered, God, where are you? It's OK, you are not alone.In this episode, I share what has helped me navigate all of the above and more and how this has allowed me to heal some of my own God and faith wounds and make room to create an image of God that brings me hope, comfort and peace.Mentioned in this EpisodeGod as MotherGod as ThoughtGreater Works than TheseThe Dangers of Second Coming TheologyYou may also be interested in these recent posts:* Difference between Spiritual and Religious Practice* Faith as a FeelingThank you!I truly appreciate you being a loyal subscriber to this publication. It's definitely not always easy to share such an intimate personal journey of reconstruction. If you do receive value from being here, please take a moment to review the podcast on iTunes or you can pledge support to the publication, become a paid subscriber or even Buy me a Coffee.Until next time, comments are open. I would love to hear from you. Get full access to To Live Life from Soul (A Reflective Journey) at florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe

Today I am sharing a beautifully organic and rich conversation I recorded with my dear friend Joanna Oliver last year. I didn't think it would make it because the recording quality was so bad (I've learnt my lesson) even the professional that I reached out to couldn't help me but I think I've done a good job of cleaning it up over the last couple of days. The focus of this conversation is on Identity and reclaiming our identity, deciding for ourselves who we are and who we want to be in the face of others' desires, projections, beliefs and expectations. Jo does a great job of exploring the intricacies and nuances of this using her lived experience as a black woman of mixed parenting as she unfolds, delayers, questions and comes back to who she is beyond conditioning, religion and race.The timestamps below are prior to me adding the intro so are off by about 30 seconds but it gives you a good indicator of how fantastic the conversation is/was:5:08 - The origin of conditioning as it relates to understanding and shaping our identity. Identity formation as projections, assimilation and core essence12:34 - Navigating when other people struggle to accept how you see yourself18:00 - The Ego's role in regulating and strengthening our identity vs the popular notion that the ego is bad23:30 - Learning to be reflexive as a way to counteract reactivity 25:00 - Creating space to BE by reconnecting to the rhythms of Life 33:00 - “Are you still a Christian?” and when people try to protect/warn you from alternative spiritual pathways39:30 - Becoming Sick of yourself as a turning point towards congruence40:10 - Being Courageous when it comes to walking out your Deconstruction/Deconditioning JourneyThank you!A special thank you to everyone who has left a review on the podcast on iTunes, can see them in the backend but they will not be publically viewable until a certain number of reviews are received. If you enjoy the pod but haven't yet left a review, please do so - simply head over to iTunes.Other ways you can show appreciation and support for the work is to Buy me a Coffee, leave a pledge to support this publication or become a paid subscriber and lastly don't forget to share on your social media profiles.PS. You can also find me hanging out on Instagram trying to make this whole marketing thing work - so seriously, help me out and share the love. K!About JoannaA mum to three children, Joanna Oliver has a diverse professional background, including within universities, charities, social care and therapeutic communities. Having left school aged fifteen and qualifying as a Youth Worker, BA (Hons) in Advertising, Media and Marketing, Masters in Therapeutic Child Care, Masters in Education and Post Graduate qualification in Professional Supervision, Joanna's work involves empowerment, enablement and promoting personal and social agency.Joanna's academic career led to giving talks at university conferences, including in Milan, Padua, Thessaloniki, Seville and the UK, a doctoral study related to collaborative working between statutory and independent sectors and a current doctoral study, related to experiences of black young men who are autistic, within the criminal justice system. In her various roles, Joanna undertakes ghost-writing, proofreading and editing books/copy/social media, delivers training, professional supervision and mentoring, mainly related to personal/professional growth and development, including in equality, diversity and inclusion and writing funding bids. Joanna has recently set up a community interest company, ‘Chameleon Collaborative', which consolidates her professional expertise, to provide services for the good of individuals and community organisations.Contact Joanna by Email - joliverconsultancy@hotmail.com Websites - www.consultachameleon.com • www.consultachameleon.co.ukSearch Joanna Oliver – for Facebook and LinkedIn (and check pages/groups)Search Consultachameleon – for Instagram and YouTube Get full access to To Live Life from Soul (A Reflective Journey) at florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to another episode of Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction. Today's episode is a bit different, instead of me interviewing a guest, I'm sharing an episode where I was the guest being interviewed on the podcast God, Sex and Sangria by Lurie Kimmerle.If I was to say this podcast episode is about “money mindset”, I would be doing it an injustice, in this episode, Lurie and I openly talk about how our views around money have been moulded and shaped within the context of Christianization and colonisation and how harmful that has been to us in various ways.It might seem like a strange topic off the back of the previous one but it's here because money is extremely triggering and that says a lot, hopefully, when you listen to it you'll understand just how much our experience of God and Christianity can shape our relationship with this entity called money.No judgement but plenty of opportunity to listen in and reflect on whether our experiences feel aligned with yours.As usual, we would love to hear your thoughts and I love reading your messages so please feel to write them in the comments or pop into my inbox on Facebook or IG if they feel too vulnerable to share here.PS: If you listen around kiddos please note there is one instance of explicit language and as mentioned a bit earlier, this episode may be triggering.Find out more about Lurie via:Her websiteInstagramGod, Sex and Sangria PodcastLastly…Here are some ways you can support the Podcast.* Share it on social media and tell a friend.* I need your reviews. Visit iTunes or Spotify to listen to at least one episode on the channel before you can leave a review.* Support the work by buying me a coffee or becoming a paid subscriber.* If you know anyone who might be a good guest fit for the podcast, including yourself then reach out to me.I aim to release an episode every two weeks Friday morning UK time. I'll see you then Get full access to To Live Life from Soul (A Reflective Journey) at florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the first episode of Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction for 2023! To kick us off, I think it's really fitting that I talk about the topic of letting go of the blaming, shaming and guilting of ourselves and others as we do this deconstruction and deconditioning thing!So, in this solo episode, I share a powerful shift of focus that has enabled me to let go of hidden aspects of victimhood and residual anger towards others both inside and outside of the religious space and how doing so has helped me to move forward and focus on my healing at even greater depths.I go really deep into the Soulology of it all, exploring aspects of my own soul's journey around wounding and attachment and honestly, it's been so liberating and empowering so I am really looking forward to you listening and sharing your thoughts with me. I've also included a few journal prompts right at the end if you're willing and game to do some inner exploration on what I talk about.Have a listen to discover what I mean and don't forget to share with someone else, on social media and in the comments section below letting me know your thoughts.Some Extra StuffI mention this post quite a bit in this episode.Join my Free Beyond Fear Mini Course.Lastly…Here are some ways you can support the Podcast.Share it on social media and tell a friend.I need your reviews. Visit iTunes or Spotify to listen to at least one episode on the channel before you can leave a review.Support the work by buying me a coffee or becoming a paid subscriber.If you know anyone who might be a good guest fit for the podcast, including yourself then reach out to me.I aim to release an episode every two weeks Friday morning UK time. I'll see you then. Get full access to To Live Life from Soul (A Reflective Journey) at florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction. For the last episode of The Becoming Series, I talk about my “initiation” for want of a better word, into the sacred feminine. I pretty much know that it's a buzzword now within the spirituality space but that definitely wasn't my story and how it was being revealed to me as a churched Christian at the time, still struggling with my health. I had so many questions about doubt and faith and healing and all of a sudden a new idea and a new belief was being installed in me that would be the catalyst to change the direction of my journey.This episode is grounded in my experience of being ill and Christian and how opening up to the sacred feminine enabled me to begin to embrace doubt and in doing so heal my understanding of faith. I have learnt so much from her but I think one of the biggest things SHE has taught me, which I mentioned in the episode is learning to be OK with the unknown - with the silence, the stillness, the darkness and even the chaos - with birthing. I am definitely not there, I don't think we ever reach there but I am more able to be OK with the not knowing than before.Regardless of whether you have been through a similar health situation or not, I hope you will be able to see aspects of yourself and your relationship with faith and doubt in the journey I share here.Did you enjoy listening to this episode?Here are some ways you can support the Podcast.* Share it on social media and tell a friend.* I need your reviews. Visit iTunes or Spotify to listen to at least one episode on the channel before you can leave a review.* Support the work by buying me a coffee or becoming a paid subscriber.* If you know anyone who might be a good guest fit for the podcast, including yourself then reach out to me.I aim to release an episode every two weeks Friday morning UK time. I'll see you then. Get full access to To Live Life from Soul (A Reflective Journey) at florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of BYBD, we go back for the second to last time to The Becoming Series where I interview speaker, writer, and philosopher Alex Verville. Through sharing his deconstruction and deconditioning journey, Alex reminds us of the powerful role that the people in our lives play in shaping and moulding our faith, beliefs and life path. Many people remain stuck in a faith or belief system not truly aligned to their soul often for this very reason and Alex shares how receiving permission to be seen as he is was the catalyst he needed to courageously pursue an authentic spirituality and life path regardless of the pull to conform of the collective “they”. Another powerful conversation - please note there is some explicit language in this episode.About Alex VervilleAlex is the host of the podcast The Whole Man and the substack newsletter of the same name where he shares his journey back to peace.Alex can also be found on Instagram.Did you enjoy listening to this episode?Here are some ways you can support the Podcast.* Share it on social media and tell a friend.* Write a review on iTunes or Spotify - the proviso is that you will have to listen to at least one episode on the channel before you can leave a review.* Support the work by buying me a coffee or becoming a paid subscriber.* If you know anyone who might be a good guest fit for the podcast, including yourself then reach out to me.I aim to release an episode every two weeks Friday morning UK time. I'll see you then.PS. The Sacred Soul Alignment Workshop is happening on the 7th of January at 9 pm UK time - it offers an alternative way to start the New Year in a way that honours your soul and body's wisdom and creates a path aligned to what desires to be seen for the year ahead. Find out more via this post and secure your spot here. Get full access to To Live Life from Soul (A Reflective Journey) at florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to another episode of Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction. Today we go back to The Becoming Series and speak with Spiritual Teacher and co-host of the Podcast God, Sex and Sangria Lurie Kimmerle. Lurie helps women untangle the bind of God, Men, and Money that keeps them stuck and disempowered through reconnecting to the Erotic and Holy Desire. Lurie openly shares the challenges she has faced in her journey of deconstructing and returning back to her sacred self and we dig into the issues and fears that so many of us face, especially women when it comes to reconnecting to our body and its inner wisdom.EXPLICIT CONTENT - Please note there are elements of explicit content in this episode.You can connect with Lurie through the links below and as always if you have enjoyed the show, feel free to Buy Me a Coffee.WebsiteInstagram - God, Men & MoneyGod, Sex and Sangria Podcast Get full access to To Live Life from Soul (A Reflective Journey) at florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe

In today's episode of Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction, I am talking to Rebecca Hartnell: Coach, Clinical Supervisor and Shamanic Practitioner specialising in working with the Divine Feminine in work and life to live and be in more soulfully aligned and value-driven ways. In this episode, we begin to explore the idea of deconditioning from the Christianised worldview with the understanding that you don't have to be Christian to have been impacted by the beliefs. She shares some insights and tools relating to the Divine Feminine, Ancient Wisdoms and coming home to our Body that is applicable no matter where you are on your faith deconstruction and reconstruction journey and offers us a new way of doing life that is at peace with the heartbeat of life and not at war with our own truths. You can connect with Rebecca through the links below and as always if you have enjoyed the show, feel free to Buy Me a Coffee.* www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-hartnell-52834140* https://www.instagram.com/the.divine.feminine.at.work/* https://en-gb.facebook.com/DaemonCareerCoach/* https://twitter.com/DaemonCoach* www.daemoncareercoach.co.ukNext Steps with the PodcastAs of writing, the podcast has been downloaded about 151 times - I really want it to reach more people, so if you enjoy listening and also want to see it reach further and wider here is how you can help me.* Share the podcast on social media and tell a friend.* Write a review of the podcast on iTunes or Spotify - the proviso is that you will have to listen to at least one episode on the channel before you can leave a review. * Support the work by buying me a coffee or becoming a paid subscriber.* If you know anyone who might be a good guest fit for the podcast, including yourself then reach out to me.My goal is to release an episode every two weeks, but life is busy right now so this might look a bit wonky leading up until the holidays and the beginning of the New Year. Get full access to To Live Life from Soul (A Reflective Journey) at florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the Episode 2 of Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction.I am thrilled to introduce the wonderful Reeder husband and wife team, Eric and Angela Reeder self-described Liberation Artists who have experienced great transitions in multiple aspects of their life.In this powerful, deep conversation they share their journey of going from on-fire for the LORD charismatic, evangelical church planters who would happily and readily follow God anywhere to do a 180-degree turn which saw them leave it all behind, their old life and connections to follow and trust the path of their soul being laid out ahead of them.They are passionate about liberating their highest self & experiencing the deepest pleasure of being a human expression of the divine. 25 years of being partners in life & 4 children have brought massive evolution that continues to unfold. They're expanding their freedom so you can know what's possible. Their words and work have inspired me enormously, I am sure their story will do the same for you too.You can connect with them on Facebook or visit Eric on his website using the following links:* @ericreeder.life* @angelareeder.life* Eric's coaching websiteAnd don't forget if you enjoyed this episode, you can buy me a coffee. Get full access to To Live Life from Soul (A Reflective Journey) at florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the Offical first episode of Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction and what better way to kick it off than with what started this all off, the six episodes of The Becoming Series!This episode sits with an awareness that faith deconstruction can feel very difficult and lonely but also honours it as an opportunity to reclaim life in a way that feels truly liberating and nourishing.The purpose of deconstruction isn't merely to reconstruct but it's a portal back to our sacred self.So in this episode, I talk more about the whole idea of Becoming, what it means and how it relates to the journey back to self. I also share my own journey, the catalyst for my more conscious and intentional deconstruction journey.Connect with me and follow me on my journey - becomingbeyonddeconstruction.com Love this episode? Buy me a coffee. Get full access to To Live Life from Soul (A Reflective Journey) at florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Becoming YOU Beyond Deconstruction, the podcast. My name is Florence Okwusogu, reconstructing Christian,  Spiritual-Seeker and Personal growth and Psychology junkie who just so happens to think that deconstruction is an amazing opportunity to heal, transform and create a vibrant, nourishing and authentic life on your terms.Whether you feel like deconstructing is a never-ending journey and struggle to shake off the tentacles of the old or you always knew deep down inside that there was more, YOU were more but it didn't feel safe to express that truth to the world.  Shifting the focus beyond deconstruction to what could be when we allow ourselves to be who we always have been provides a profound opportunity for healing and transformation. Calling revolutionaries and those who dare to dream, hope and believe in a world of better, this podcast offers a space where you can heal and unravel the beliefs, conditioning and soul agreements that have kept you from standing in your sacred truth and expressing your powerful light into the world.Your healing and our healing is the key.I'm so excited to walk alongside you as we take the journey back to remembering what our truth has always been and returning back to ourselves.Join me every Friday fortnight for a mix of reflective episodes and deep explorations of the journeys of others who are doing this healing work.The first episodes are due to be released on 25th November 2022.Connect with me on Unfolding, my personal Substack newsletter and community where I share my journey of returning back to what has always been true to me beyond deconstruction. Get full access to To Live Life from Soul (A Reflective Journey) at florenceukpabiokwusogu.substack.com/subscribe