When I had my ‘spiritual awakening’ experiences earlier this year, I joined a bunch of spiritual communities because I thought it’d be a great growth and connection experience.
The non-dual communities love a good bypass too. I once posted in one about regression and shadow work and the guru told me that none of it was required because the lower self is a story. Then I asked him if he got stabbed in the stomach, would he still be in oneness or would he be identified with the pain of the lower self, and he told me that the knife, the blood and the pain are all stories within consciousness. Meanwhile, another lady responds to that comment stating “inner child healing just made things worse” right before she proceeded to mention her diseases are progressively getting worse.
I’d say 80% or even more of what I’ve seen are just people bypassing trauma. So glad I picked up on it and didn’t lose myself, but it’s just so disgusting and sad at the same time.
Those are such heartbreaking stories, Roc. I spent some time dabbling in the non-dual sphere and found it full of very confusing gaslighting and total avoidance of accountability on behalf of badly behaving gurus. It also led followers to fail to stand up for themselves- to the peril of their bodies and mental health. It is very sad...I'm glad you found your way out.
Important subject that is wide ranging. When an elder/adult/person/institution abuses, manipulates and controls a person/child/infant by mental, physical, emotional and spiritual means --this is trauma.
In my path as a yoga practitioner for over 60 years, yoga teacher and yoga therapy practitioner, and psychotherapist -- the spiritual abuse may be the deepest wounds I have endured -- and yet these may be healed with brought to the light. Sadly, many carry deep spiritual wounds and false beliefs, wrapped in shame that is bound to silence--by those that who created the wounds.
thank you for the work you are doing to bring the nuances of spiritual woundings to the Light.
I'm so sorry that happened to you. I agree with you- the betrayals of spiritual trauma can cut to the quick in even more painful ways than other sorts of traumas. It took me a long time to figure out that the oppression was built into the belief systems- and I do believe that was intentional, a way to silence the oppressed in the name of spirituality. It's deeply betraying to those of us who really believed in the goodness that is meant to be at the heart of all spirituality.
So much gold in this post. I'm looking forward to your book. I have ridden that wave you have articulated so well from my spiritual bypassing and love-and-light years to "coming back down to Earth" to do the actual spiritual work. And it's something I see everywhere now, widely proliferated, and also sadly witnessing the journey of others falling into the same traps. And also sadly covering over the true teachings that will help people (the yoga teacher training industry for one).
Once we get out of those traps ourselves, it's quite painful, isn't it- watching others who are vulnerable falling down the same rabbit holes- and often getting exploited in the process. I'm glad you found your way back down to earth..
All parts of me thank you for writing with such depth and insight about spirituality that speaks to the heart and soul of where I’ve been lost. As scary as it’s been to face my bypass, I’m grateful I could do the “ U turn” here with such a kind compassionate soul leader and her/our collective communities, Dr. Lissa❤️🙏
When I had my ‘spiritual awakening’ experiences earlier this year, I joined a bunch of spiritual communities because I thought it’d be a great growth and connection experience.
The non-dual communities love a good bypass too. I once posted in one about regression and shadow work and the guru told me that none of it was required because the lower self is a story. Then I asked him if he got stabbed in the stomach, would he still be in oneness or would he be identified with the pain of the lower self, and he told me that the knife, the blood and the pain are all stories within consciousness. Meanwhile, another lady responds to that comment stating “inner child healing just made things worse” right before she proceeded to mention her diseases are progressively getting worse.
I’d say 80% or even more of what I’ve seen are just people bypassing trauma. So glad I picked up on it and didn’t lose myself, but it’s just so disgusting and sad at the same time.
Thank you for writing this Lissa, it’s important.
Those are such heartbreaking stories, Roc. I spent some time dabbling in the non-dual sphere and found it full of very confusing gaslighting and total avoidance of accountability on behalf of badly behaving gurus. It also led followers to fail to stand up for themselves- to the peril of their bodies and mental health. It is very sad...I'm glad you found your way out.
Important subject that is wide ranging. When an elder/adult/person/institution abuses, manipulates and controls a person/child/infant by mental, physical, emotional and spiritual means --this is trauma.
In my path as a yoga practitioner for over 60 years, yoga teacher and yoga therapy practitioner, and psychotherapist -- the spiritual abuse may be the deepest wounds I have endured -- and yet these may be healed with brought to the light. Sadly, many carry deep spiritual wounds and false beliefs, wrapped in shame that is bound to silence--by those that who created the wounds.
thank you for the work you are doing to bring the nuances of spiritual woundings to the Light.
Victoria Strohmeyer, E-RYT, MBA
I'm so sorry that happened to you. I agree with you- the betrayals of spiritual trauma can cut to the quick in even more painful ways than other sorts of traumas. It took me a long time to figure out that the oppression was built into the belief systems- and I do believe that was intentional, a way to silence the oppressed in the name of spirituality. It's deeply betraying to those of us who really believed in the goodness that is meant to be at the heart of all spirituality.
So much gold in this post. I'm looking forward to your book. I have ridden that wave you have articulated so well from my spiritual bypassing and love-and-light years to "coming back down to Earth" to do the actual spiritual work. And it's something I see everywhere now, widely proliferated, and also sadly witnessing the journey of others falling into the same traps. And also sadly covering over the true teachings that will help people (the yoga teacher training industry for one).
Once we get out of those traps ourselves, it's quite painful, isn't it- watching others who are vulnerable falling down the same rabbit holes- and often getting exploited in the process. I'm glad you found your way back down to earth..
All parts of me thank you for writing with such depth and insight about spirituality that speaks to the heart and soul of where I’ve been lost. As scary as it’s been to face my bypass, I’m grateful I could do the “ U turn” here with such a kind compassionate soul leader and her/our collective communities, Dr. Lissa❤️🙏
Thank you Sage, for your sweet words. I'm glad you found your way to the U-turn post-bypass. It can be a dicey time indeed.