Behind The Mirror

The journey of the soul - the spiritual awakening of being born again

In this episode, I offer deconstructed thoughts on what it means to be born of water and spirit. And how the process of being born again is one that is repeated throughout the spiritual journey of life over and over again. 

Anna's Blog: www.annadimmel.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Trauma bonding - a spiritual act

Trauma bonding is either healthy or unhealthy. These bonds are built through shared trauma experiences, whether through story sharing of the trauma or through shared experiences. The effects of unhealthy trauma bonding often result in anxiety, fear of being unheard or the constant need for validation. However, the benefits of healthy trauma bonding, offer a safe place to heal and naturally receive validation. In this episode, I share what I've learned from a lifetime of unhealthy trauma bonding and how I've created a spiritual practice of maintaining a sacred circle around my trauma.  

Anna's blog: www.annadimmel.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Happy Holidays? 3 Things I'm doing differently this year

There is magic this time of year that is often overlooked by commitments, obligations, sadness, grief and anxiety. But, in this episode, I share how I'm changing the way this season feels for me - and most importantly, how I am learning to honor my soul and the divine magic of Christmas. 

Anna's blog: www.annadimmel.com

Anna's Holiday Gift Guide: https://annadimmel.com/2019/11/25/best-unique-holiday-gift-guide-with-a-purpose/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Evangelize? Post deconstruction thoughts

This is such an awkward topic! It was awkward back when I was trying to "save" and witness to my friends. And now it feels super awkward as I can't remember the last time I said even that word. lol Like many Christians, years ago, I was desperately trying to do the right thing and keep those I loved from going to hell. After going through deconstruction and letting go of institutions, organizations and any fear of hell, I was left with just me and Spirit - which shed lots of light on many subjects, such as this. In the episode, I explore this part of my journey from the beginning stages (ie: witnessing to everyone) to where I am today.

Anna's Blog: www.annadimmel.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

How my relationship with the Bible changed (and why it needed to) - post deconstruction thoughts

In middle school, reading the Bible became my outlet and central point of connection with Spirit. It was a tender place that I held onto through adulthood. The studying of scripture became a passion and led me to eventually become a pastor. But, there was a point when my relationship shifted with the Bible. In this episode, I talk about when my relationship with the Bible changed and how I handled those shifts during the deconstruction process. Where God led me to let go of the idol I had made the Bible to be, and embrace the realness of my relationship with Spirit - outside of any religious constraints. I candidly talk about what this has looked like post deconstruction and the healing I continue to walk through. 

Anna's blog: www.annadimmel.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Shop wellness: https://www.myyl.com/anna-dimmel

Why being desperate and hungry for God isn't always healthy - how my prayer life changed

Before deconstructing, my life involved loads of prayer. Since I was a kid, prayer was a huge part of my life. I literally have nearly 50 journals filled with tear-stained pages, pleading and begging for God's comfort, peace and direction. In this episode, I discuss the damaging cycle so many find themselves in when God is their only safe place, only sense of connection and acceptance, or only "lover" of their soul. It sets the tone for depression, isolation and loads of denial.  During my journey in the wilderness, everything was stripped away - including my prayer life. I wanted connection with Spirit, but not the idol of religion it had been packaged in. Spirit led me to trade desperate hunger prayers, for prayers of acceptance, gratitude and authentic healing. 

Anna's blog: www.annadimmel.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Shop: https://www.myyl.com/anna-dimmel

I want what they have! A confession of jealousy

Every single person deals with jealousy on some level. But, it's one of those hush-hush topics that no one talks about. Whether it's jealousy over someone's relationship, career, good opportunity, house or lot in life, just know that these thoughts are soooo common. In this episode, I unravel the patterns of jealousy and how it's merely just an obstacle in the way of finding our true path. Sharing from my own journey, I offer tips on how to change your inner dialogue and accept the beautiful journey that is only YOURS. 

Anna's Blog: www.annadimmel.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Shop Wellness: https://www.myyl.com/anna-dimmel

 

How to survive toxic relationships (and finally have peace)

For years, I believed it was my job to fix the toxic relationships in my life. I believed by doing everything "right", eventually good would win out and all would be well. But my fear of being disliked, rejected and misunderstood blinded my ability to see just how toxic some of these relationships were. I became a slave to these relationships and they began to completely run my life. In this episode, I talk candidly about my 15 year journey of navigating toxic relationships and discovering that fixing them wasn't the answer - accepting the reality of what these relationships truly were held my ticket to freedom (and peace). 

Anna's blog: www.annadimmel.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Wellness: https://annadimmel.com/wellness/

Feel a shift happening? You're right on time

This week marks the Autumn equinox which often brings a significant amount of change. As many of us are leaving a season of loss, heartache, grief and wilderness wandering, this shift offers an invitation to step into the next chapter. This season, in particular, is all about harvest, abundance and the preparation for new things. A season of celebration that we made it this far - and the reassurance that everything will be okay. 

Anna's blog: www.annadimmel.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Wellness: https://annadimmel.com/wellness/

When life gets lonely - finding hope in the wilderness

The path to authenticity can often feel lonely. When we leave the status quo to run after something real, an empty space is created. Whether it's a deconstruction of faith, community, marriage or friendship, the voids left behind can be a lonely place. In this episode I talk about my personal journey: from having viral blogs, speaking engagements, a thriving career, and a full social calendar, to losing the majority of my following and my personal and social world going to crickets. In my journey of following Spirit into the wild, I found myself in a vast, lonely wilderness. The good news is that when you land in this place, you are exactly where you need to be. 

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Spiritual Living: https://justajesusfollower.com/spiritual-living/