Very interesting read, both posts together. I have often questioned the legitimacy of most religious leaders beyond the scope of moral guides for those who seem to need to be told what is right and wrong in order to function. But we see so many times in the news how much those moral guides seem to lack in the morals department. More of a do what I say, not as I do kinda thing. Your experience really backs that up.
I truly believe we, humanity as a whole, is missing a huge part of our real past. Our history goes back much further than we are taught and until we can recover that knowledge we will always be searching for an explanation for life. Internal reflection on the bigger picture (your deep thinking) is the best way to find our place in all this madness.
It's nice that you kept your journals from your travels as a youth. I never wrote things down like that, I was more of a take pictures person. Unfortunately old school film photos fade faster than pen and paper.
Thank you for sharing @stellabelle.