If you have ever been part of a high-control religious group or are currently struggling to leave one, you know how challenging it can be to break free from its grips and embrace personal freedom. The chains of indoctrination can be paralyzing, and the process of finding your own way can seem daunting.

Wendi Renay found herself in this exact situation. As a former member of the high-control group, Jehovah's Witnesses, she was excommunicated from the Church.

With raw honesty and vulnerability, Wendi found a way to embrace her true self while shedding light on the effects of indoctrination.

In this blog post, drawing from Wendi's experience, we offer practical steps to support you as you embark on a journey of self-discovery and break free from high-control religion.

Step 1: Self-Reflection and Awareness

The journey to breaking free begins with honest self-reflection and self-awareness. It's time to explore the beliefs you've been taught. Analyze them to see if they align with your personal values, beliefs, and overall well-being. Understand the level of manipulation used by the religious group and become conscious of the impact indoctrination has had on your life.

What were some of the teachings that were most damaging to me? How did being a member of this group affect my relationships with family members who weren't involved? What was difficult about leaving my religious community? Do I feel like I am still struggling with any effects from indoctrination?

Step 2: Seek Support and Education

You do not have to embark on this journey alone. The right support systems can provide you with the emotional and intellectual fortitude you need to navigate this transformational journey. Seek out communities of survivors who have overcome this situation, and engage with experts of high control religions.

Education is also essential in uncovering the tactics and impact of indoctrination. The more you know about high-control groups and the tactics they use, the easier it will be to identify them in your life. Your knowledge will also help you educate others who may still be indoctrinated by these groups.

Step 3: Embrace Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is essential in challenging beliefs and worldviews, particularly in high-control religions. Embrace your freedom to question every teaching and seek evidence-based knowledge to enable you to develop your beliefs and build your self-worth. Through this practice, you eradicate the toxicity of external influences and cultivate your authentic beliefs.

Critical thinking looks like asking questions, doing your own research, and questioning authority. It’s about being open-minded and willing to change your mind when presented with new evidence or information.

Step 4: Establish Boundaries

Boundaries are your way of protecting your emotional, mental, and psychological well-being. After leaving a high control religious group, a new challenge is setting boundaries, which might mean saying "no" to interactions with certain individuals within the high control group who do not respect your decisions and beliefs. Focus on establishing and maintaining relationships with individuals who understand you and respect your choices.

Step 5: Foster Positive Relationships

Building new relationships might be challenging, but it's an essential step toward personal freedom after leaving a high-control religious group. Human's are hardwired to desire community so it's important to find a way to replace the sense of belonging and identity that you once had in your religious community. Try joining a local support group, volunteering at a charity or nonprofit organization, becoming politically active, or learning something new like knitting or playing an instrument.

Conclusion:

The journey from indoctrination to personal freedom requires persistence and dedication, but in the end, it is so worth it. You are not alone. Take this journey one step at a time, be patient and kind to yourself, embrace your thoughts, and build your personal sense of fulfillment.

If you'd like to join a supportive community of like-minded survivors check out our FREE Courage 365 facebook group!

Relevant Links:

- Wendi’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WendiRenay/

- Wendi’s Instagram: www.Instagram.com/wendirenay

-Wendi’s TikTok: www.TikTok.com/@wendirenay

- Text message service: To sign up, text the word "courage" to 917-809-7311

- Courage 365: Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/courage365