#things to unlearn

[dysphoresque]

— Diary of Anaïs Nin Volume 1, Anaïs Nin

[existential-celestial]

David G. Benner, from “My Kingdom, Thy Kingdom,” in Desiring God’s Will

[anerdyfeminist]

My mental associations with some brands are so classist. Capitalism and its marketing schemes have worked on me 😔

[starryfeathers]

Things I Learned Growing Up in the Church I Need to Unlearn:

1.) The body is inherently sexual.

Why I have to unlearn this:

Simply put, the body isn’t sexual. Sure the body is designed for reproduction but it in of itself and the mind within that body should never be seen as instantly sexual in nature. It prevents body autonomy and creates issues of sexualizing basic body functions. It is also problematic as, although sometimes subtly, it

reinforces the idea that children and/or women “shouldn’t wear things like that” thus causing unhealthy fixations on a others. This misconception also causes the issue of men being “sexual beings incapable of control” which creates not only violence and rape but also fucks up men’s psychological health as a whole.

2.) Humans are sinners and inherently evil creatures. Only the “goodness of God” can save them.

Why I have to unlearn this:

It takes away the option that people are capable of changing on their own. It makes it impossible for personal accountability and prevents the maturing individual of accepting mistakes, learning from those mistakes, and making the decision to change.

3.) God forgives everything so it’s okay to make mistakes, do wrong, or be hurtful to someone as long as you repent to God.

Why I have to unlearn this:

It is never okay to be racist, homophobic, misogynistic, or transphobic no matter your opinion or religious preferences but unfortunately by growing up in a culture that not only pushes the ideology that “all these things are wrong” but encourages people to “make mistakes” yet again mature responses and mature understanding is stunted.

Simple mistakes are fine but constantly and consistently making the “mistake” of judging someone for who they are or what they do or where they come from is never okay.

4.) Your body is a temple to God. Respect it.

Why I have to unlearn this:

First off, no, just no. Your body is YOUR body no one else’s. By perpetuating the idea that you don’t own the rights to your own body and what you chose to do with it (whether that be to get your ears pierced, cut your hair, or medically transition as a trans person) there is also the idea that body autonomy doesn’t even exist.

5.) Your elders know more than you. You should listen to them.

Why I have to unlearn this:

While objectively people who are older DO have a generally larger knowledge base it is important to remember that people older than you also tend to reject anything they don’t like or agree with. Advice is welcome but by no means should you feel required to accept it. What is right for someone else is not always right for you.

[existential-celestial]

What if love is a feeling to believe in?  What if love is a feeling that brings us all down to our knees?  Is that so wrong? // What If Love // RHODES

[existential-celestial]

we may lose / we may win / but we will never be here again. // Take It Easy

[existential-celestial]

"The moment someone says it’s not possible, IT IS.”

[existential-celestial]

You will never tell them when you love them, and you will keep quiet as you unlove them. It’s okay- let the words inside suffocate you. Because sooner or later, an ocean will pour out of you. Learn to touch people’s hearts without having to slice open a portion of their chest. And fall in love a million times ‘till you forget the very last thing that broke you. Let yourself feel. And always remember you are human, but never forget that everyone is.

Shi Collantes, A Letter To Myself