Cult of Free Thinkers

Recently I began a space on X called Cult of Free Thinkers. I’m supported by my co-hosts; Donna and Colin. This was an idea I’ve had for a few years, that originated from my experiences with a few organizations that I’ve had cult like experiences with. I want to begin this blog with providing the definition of a Cult. According to the Oxford dictionary a Cult is a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object. When I take a step back and think about all the religions I have explored, every one of them is a cult in their own way, since all of them have a particular figure or object that is worshiped. I’ve also seen this play out in countries who worship a president or leader, and in work environments as well.  

Cult mentality is fascinating to me, and exploring my own ability to encompass cult mentality is what led to this blog and the X space. Throughout my training as a therapist, I witnessed first-hand how susceptible adolescents and teens are to cult mentality, though in the psychology world they call it Hive Mind. When you are someone who doesn’t fall into hive mind or cult mentality, you will often be labeled as “problematic” or “oppositional defiant”. When you are a free thinker, you learn how to dance in groups and organizations that require you to worship a leader or entity, or you don’t participate and are on high alert for those who do.

Throughout my experiences, I have come to realize that when people do participate in religions or organizations that require you to worship a person, entity, or adopt a specific mindset; they do so because there is comfort there. In some ways, they find peace in those groups. And many times, they are not harmful. Where they become harmful is when they have a leader or leaders that require you to worship them, judge others for not being like or thinking like the leaders, and encourage psychological or physical violence.

As I have been healing from my experiences with cult mentalities and hive mind exposure, the one thing that has been most impactful is learning to trust myself and getting ok with being alone. I have found that being alone is not lonely at all, it is actually quite peaceful. More often than not, I feel lonelier when I’m surrounded by people who are trying to fit in to groups, or attempting to project their beliefs, teachings and biases onto me; to make me fit into their group.

Other mentalities from the teachings I’ve explored are “see something, say something” or “don’t ask, don’t tell”. For me, I have come to the conclusion that I “live and let live”; unless there is physical, emotional or sexual abuse. Seeing as I have plenty of personal and professional experience with those abuses, I recognize them clearly with others. How do I handle it? I talk about it. I share my experience, strength and hope. I teach people how to protect themselves, and will use all my tools to help protect those who can not protect themselves. I also don’t interfere without being asked, unless there is a child involved; then Mama Bear shows up.

I was reminded yesterday that when you are acting with pure love and intention, you are always protected. I have felt that since I was a little girl. Even when I experience the harshness of humanity, I feel this protection. I am deeply grateful for it, seeing as the harshness of humanity has increased exponentially since I was a child. My hope for humanity is that one day all humans will be loved, accepted and cared for instead of being rejected unless they “fit it”, which always seems to lead to violence; and the cycle repeats.

I’m going to take a break from the X space for the summer, I feel some major shifts coming and I will be busy supporting humanity in a different way. I will keep you posted as to when we will resume. Until then, much love to all who read this.