Came across this thought-provoking article [url]Spiritual Bypassing | Reality Sandwich[/url]
Yes, we do not heal and develop ourselves by creating distractions that separates and hides our true reality from self, we heal by embracing the cold light of reality head on and all that we are within it.
There is nothing to fear within the fullness of self, but self.:)
This article could have made it clearer that it is more about the pseudo end of spirituality than about authentic, true spirituality. It does make the distinction, but about halfway down. Anyone sincere about pursuing a spiritual path would embrace their own personal development - there was no mention of this.
Instead, I got the impression that it was trying to tar the name of spirituality and, if so, it is in very poor taste, misleading and would count as misinformation.
What an interesting article, Thank you for posting it
Yes interesting article (after a quick read-through), but I would want some evidence of his deeper understanding of what 'True' spirituality is. For example he dismisses 'Oneness' as a New Age idea when in fact it is ancient - a very ancient idea. His perception of 'Oneness' doesn'r seem to fit with mine.
It's all very well dismissing seeking spirituality as a sop to seeking somewhere tranquil and pain-free - and I do agree there have been plenty of these ideas on offer - but not all of us have gone there. His title is 'Spiritual Bypassing: When Spirituality Disconnects Us from What Really Matters'. OK, what does he think 'really matters'? Is conventional religion not a form of 'Spiritual Bypassing'? Are not "ritual and belief and dogma" not part of religion?
I do like his comment however: "The trappings of spiritual bypassing can look good, particularly when they seem to promise freedom from life's fuss and fury, but this supposed serenity and detachment is often little more than metaphysical valium [my italics], especially for those who have made too much of a virtue out of being and looking positive."
He describes authentic spirituality as "a vast fire of liberation, an exquisitely fitting crucible and sanctuary, providing both heat and light for the healing and awakening we need" - does anyone agree with that?