What Is Spiritual Bypassing? A Social Media Trend Explained.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT SPIRITUAL BYPASSING IS??

A SOCIAL MEDIA TREND EXPLAINED

Spiritual bypassing describes the use of mystical language and spiritual explanations to avoid complicated psychological issues.?

Spiritual bypassing describes the use of mystical language and spiritual explanations to avoid complicated psychological issues.?

The concept was first brought forward by a psychotherapist named John Welwood in Toward a Psychology of Awakening. He coined the phrase to explain what happens when we, 'use spiritual ideas and practices to avoid facing unresolved emotional issues, psychological wounds, and unfinished developmental tasks.'?

Welwood, a practicing Buddhist, noticed that he and others had a habit of using the language of spirituality as a shield. This was done in lieu of actively listening and discussing uncomfortable topics. He noted that people, including himself, would use spiritual beliefs to shut down conversations they found uncomfortable.?

As a defense mechanism, it works very well. It is so subtle many people don't even realize they are being spiritually bypassed. This allows people to use spirituality as a shield against things they don't want to talk about. This stunts the growth of both ends of the conversation.?

What are the signs? How can you spot bypassing? Learn how to curb the tendency to use spiritual bypassing in place of honest conversation.?

Let me explain.?

GOOD EXAMPLES OF SPIRITUAL BYPASSING??

You are upset about your lover's behavior and they respond that your spiritual guru would say, "you are projecting negativity"

Something scary happens to you financially and people tell you to "have an abundance mindset"?

A man is upset because of something that happened and people tell him to stop living in a negative vibration?

The most common: At your relative's funeral everyone keeps telling you that "it is in god's plan" or 'everything happens for a reason"

Conclusion: Serious life concerns are often dismissed because others would rather gloss over hard talk than step out of themselves to help another person grow. Spiritual bypassing prevents the other person from dealing with very real human issues.?

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL BYPASSING?

If you know the signs then spiritual bypassing can be easily spotted. Here are some of the most common examples.?

When someone reduces a traumatic experience to a “learning experience” or “silver lining”

When serious, often painful, life experiences are reduced to "god's will" or "god's plan"

Denying very real human emotions with platitudes

Highly idealized behavior chosen over very real human conversation

Detachment from very human feelings that we experience

Dismissing fear responses because it is faster than talking about what needs to heal

Toxic positivity avoids acknowledging feelings.?

Using superiority to avoid talking about the "awkward things"

Ignoring the real issues with "positive thinking"?

Acting as though everything is ok when it clearly is not

Being told to think positively to effect an outcome

Conclusion: Spiritual bypassing allows us to avoid hard conversations with meaningless phrases that gloss over real problems?

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED BYPASSING? HAVE YOU ENGAGED IN?

SPIRITUAL BYPASSING?

We have all done it. I know I am guilty of spiritually bypassing someone when I am not in the mood for a serious conversation. If you want to check yourself the next time you do this, here are some of the best examples I have heard myself and others use when SB someone.?

Your mind creates the reality you deserve

That was a blessing in disguise

That was a blessing in disguise

My thoughts/prayers are with you

Positive frequency people only!

That was for the best

Everything happens for a reason

Positive energy only

I hang with high vibrational people only

Conclusion: Instead of using typical phrases that reveal just how little we listen, try to discern if someone really needs to talk so they can heal. With that approach, you can be of service. Service is a mind-set that makes spiritual bypassing much harder to do.?

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SPIRITUAL BYPASSING??

On the surface bypassing is a shield or defense mechanism to prevent awkward conversation about uncomfortable topics. Why do we do this? Our society has a tendency to gloss over real issues in favor of what is easy. We can be in our heads or selfish, at times.?

Organized religion and the wellness industry have made toxic positivity one of the dominant reasons for spiritual bypassing. While it is true that your mindset, thoughts, and self-talk create your reality, we are simply light beings having a human experience.?

Part of being human is the need to resolve complex emotional issues and serious psychological challenges. That means, if you or someone needs to talk, then you should be talking them through with someone who can give you helpful feedback and emotional support.?

WHAT IS THE LONG-TERM IMPACT OF SPIRITUAL BYPASSING??

People do not heal when they are put off with pithy platitudes. That means having awkward conversations that others need to move forward. It sometimes means you need to get emotionally naked. Why does it? Because the impact of spiritual bypassing includes:?

Confusion and stress?

Anxiousness

A feeling of shame?

Self-control issues

Unhealthy levels of drugs and alcohol

Conclusion: What to do? Try not to use one-liners and platitudes with friends and family. Remember that negativity serves a very important purpose in the human experience! It brings to light things that need to change. That is the main purpose of our responses to negativity and challenges: personal growth. Being uncomfortable is a reminder that you are being triggered and healing needs to take place. So, the next time you are feeling human. See it as an opportunity for growth!?