Spirituality is a journey many embark on to find peace, joy, and deeper meaning in life. Practices like meditation, yoga, or prayer can bring comfort and clarity. But sometimes, without realizing it, we might use these practices to avoid dealing with our deeper emotions or challenges. This tendency, often called spiritual bypassing or hideout, is like painting over a cracked wall without fixing the foundation beneath. It may look fine for a while, but the cracks eventually show again.
Have you ever felt upset or angry but told yourself, "I shouldn’t feel this way; I need to stay positive"? Or maybe, when faced with a difficult situation, you turned to meditation or affirmations, hoping the discomfort would just disappear. These actions might feel comforting temporarily, but they don’t address the root of the issue.
Avoiding emotions like sadness, anger, or fear can seem like the "spiritual" thing to do. But emotions are not bad. They are signals, like a light on the dashboard of a car, telling us to pay attention to something important. Ignoring these signals doesn’t make them go away; it just pushes them deeper.
Many of us grow up believing that certain emotions are "negative" and should be avoided. Society often tells us to stay positive and keep a brave face, no matter what. While positivity has its place, pretending everything is fine when it’s not can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and others.
Sometimes, we fear that sitting with our difficult feelings will be too overwhelming or painful. But avoiding them only delays the healing process. These unprocessed emotions don’t just disappear; they linger, showing up in ways that can affect our relationships, decisions, and inner peace.
True peace and spiritual growth come when we allow ourselves to experience the full range of human emotions. Here are a few ways to embrace this approach:
Be Honest with Yourself: If you’re feeling upset, anxious, or hurt, acknowledge it. There’s no need to judge yourself for these feelings. They’re a natural part of being human.
Practice Mindfulness: Spend a few moments noticing what you’re feeling without trying to change it. You might think, "I feel sad right now," or "I’m really angry about this." Simply observing your emotions can help you understand them better.
Self-Compassion: Treat yourself the way you would treat a dear friend. If they were struggling, you wouldn’t tell them to just "get over it." Offer yourself the same kindness.
Talk It Out: Sometimes, sharing what you’re feeling with a trusted friend, counselor, or therapist can bring clarity and relief. You don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Balance Your Practices: Spiritual tools like meditation and yoga are wonderful, but they’re not meant to replace emotional work. Use them as support, not escape.
Imagine a garden. To keep it healthy, you don’t just water the flowers; you also pull out the weeds. If you ignore the weeds, they will eventually take over, no matter how much you water. Your mind and heart are the same. To truly grow, you need to nurture the good and tend to the uncomfortable.
Next time you’re tempted to "think positive" or "move on" too quickly, pause. Ask yourself, "What am I feeling right now, and why?" This small act of awareness can be the first step toward deeper healing and understanding.
Remember, your feelings—all of them—are valid. Embracing them doesn’t make you less spiritual; it makes you more whole. Growth isn’t about being free of challenges; it’s about learning to navigate them with honesty and grace, so next time, don't bypass or hide behind in the name known as "Spirituality or Meditation", think
Stay blessed
Comments