July 12th, 2026

Have you ever read a book or heard a theory that started out promising/interesting, but then, as you get deeper into it, it starts to grate on you? Maybe it is a slow process that, over time, you feel a disconnect with that train of thought, or perhaps it is a sudden realization that you no longer vibe with what is being said. However it happens, I believe in following one’s intuition, even when everyone else seems to think it is a good idea. In my posts, and in many of the reviews I have written over the years, I have always said to take what feels right to you and leave the rest.
 
There will be times when we learn or hear something that sounds good on the surface, but a deeper look makes us second guess. There will also be times when it out right repulses us. When this happens it usually results in the person closing the book, refusing to listen, or even arguing/debating/ranting about it. As (what I call) a completionist, I will always finish the book (which is what happened recently, which is what sparked this post). I like to think that I am open to debate/discussion on any topic, even when I feel the other opinion goes against what I believe or currently know to be true. That said, I also know I am quite stubborn, so this is a factor too. Most people I know do not read the books I do, so there is not usually someone to debate these topics with, though some ranting may happen (just ask my friends).
 
What I think is important at these times is not so much the topic we are so against, as the way we react to it, or rather, the motivation behind that reaction. When I find myself reacting so strongly to a topic I have to wonder why. What about this topic has struck a nerve? Is it simply contrary to my current knowledge or beliefs? What am I objecting to, the information, the person presenting the information, or how the information is being presented? Am I opposed to all of the information or just part of? Is my disapproval based on my own morals/values, my religious/spiritual practice, or personal experience? Do I really oppose this information, or is my reaction based on views/opinions other people I respect or care about think/have expressed?  These are all valid and, in my opinion, important questions to ask. The answers can tell us much about ourselves, and our shadow side.
 
Recently I read a book that made me feel some kind of way. At first the theories presented seemed rather sound, but as the book went on it started to feel…inauthentic. I did question whether my initial reaction had to do with one of the people who wrote part of the introduction, as I am not particularly fond of them. While I did not enjoy that part, I like to think I gave the book itself a fair chance. At first it felt like the author was describing a spiritual path that seemed reasonable. In fact, it sounded much like many spiritual books you would likely find on any shelf in the bookstore. However, as the book progressed, it described beliefs and techniques/exercises that absolved the reader/practitioner of accountability for their actions, asking them to deny or repress their feelings and their shadow side, all under the guise of enlightenment. If you have been reading my posts, you know that this kind of theory/practice would not sit well with me. It would, in fact, fall under one of my recent posts about spiritual bypassing. I almost did not want to finish the book after getting a little over half way through it. Particularly after writing that post. However, I did finish it, regardless of my opinion of it.
 
It is difficult to expand and grow as a person if we do not expose ourselves to new and different thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. We are certainly not going to agree with everything we hear and see, and that is ok. We all have our own path. However, I do think it is important to listen to and discuss these differences. You never know what kernels of truth you may find for yourself. That doesn’t mean you have to finish every book you start, or participate in discussions/debates that will ultimately lead no where except anger and frustration. I am simply saying that when we come across the ones that rub us the wrong way, we should question why they do. Perhaps we could also ask ourselves what different morals/values, upbringings, cultural beliefs, and personal experiences could they have had that led them to this opinion/theory that is so contrary to our own. These questions could help us understand not only ourselves, but others as well. It is ok to agree to disagree, and to travel our own paths however we feel is right. That said, a little understanding can go a long way.
 
Have you ever read a book or participated in a spiritual debate that really got under your skin? Did you stay/continue reading, or did you distance yourself from it? What is your first response to dealing with uncomfortable or opposing topics, argue, retreat, or just listen and not participate/ignore? Do you question why you feel a certain way about things, or just accept that you do? I would love to know.