In recent years, the world has witnessed an unprecedented wave of political conflict, social unrest, and disheartening news. With daily updates that sow anxiety and concern, it’s easy to fall into despair and hopelessness. But what if, instead of being burdened by these worries, we turned to a deeper understanding of our faith? If we truly believed in and trusted GOD—recognizing GOD as love itself and knowing that GOD always has our highest good in mind—we could find profound peace even amidst chaos.

The core of many spiritual belief systems is the concept that GOD is love. This foundational truth permeates the scriptures and reassures us that divine love is active, nurturing, and constantly supportive. In 1 John 4:8, we read, “Whoever does not love does not know GOD, because GOD is love.” When we understand this concept, it shifts our perspective on life’s challenges. Knowing that GOD is love means that every circumstance, including the political strife we see around us, is viewed through the lens of GOD’s unfathomable compassion.

Trusting in GOD’s love entails more than mere acknowledgment. It requires a deep-seated belief that GOD is not only aware of our struggles but is also intimately involved in guiding our paths. As we navigate through uncertainties, such as political shifts, economic instability, or social injustice, we can rest assured that GOD fully supports us. Psalm 46:1 declares, “GOD is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” This assurance allows us to approach the world’s troubles with confidence, knowing that we are not alone in our challenges.

Yet, an essential element of this discussion involves understanding our reactions to world events. When we find ourselves distressed about the state of the world, questioning why things aren’t to our liking, it might be time to reflect on the arrogance of our ego. Often, we believe that we are smarter than GOD, that we can foresee a better path than the one currently laid out before us. This mindset is dangerous, as it positions our limited understanding against the vast wisdom of the Creator.

The ego, deeply rooted in a desire for control and immediate gratification, often struggles with the concept of surrender. When we assume that we know what’s best for ourselves and for the world, we risk creating a disconnect between our expectations and GOD’s divine plan. If we think things should be different, we must be careful not to fall into the trap of believing that our perception surpasses GOD’s wisdom. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways… As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Living in a state of constant comparison between our desires and GOD’s plan can lead to frustration. When the world does not align with our expectations, we may feel overwhelmed and anxious. However, when we trust that GOD has our highest good in mind, we can relinquish those self-imposed burdens. GOD’s plans are often far beyond our comprehension; they may involve complexities we have yet to understand, and the beauty lies in the unfolding of GOD’s work in our lives and the world.

Moreover, trusting in GOD’s love means recognizing that GOD’s timing is perfect—even when it doesn’t match our expectations. We are invited to surrender to a greater good, recognizing that our lifetime is but a moment in GOD’s eternal perspective.

When our heart is anchored in the understanding that GOD is love and GOD is always working for our benefit, we can view external turmoil as opportunities for growth and transformation rather than sources of anxiety. Acknowledging turbulence in the world allows us to cultivate resilience and to draw closer to GOD through prayer, reflection, and community.

In these testing times, we have the option to choose peace. Embracing our faith allows us to rise above the noise and to serve as pure conduits of GOD’s love. By sharing kindness, compassion, and understanding, we can reflect the heart of GOD in a world hungry for healing. This response does not come from a place of ignorance or denial about the problems we face, but rather from a foundation of faith that is unwavering.

To elevate our perspective even further, we also consider how our spiritual maturity can lead to a deeper commitment to GOD’s work. The challenges we observe can ignite our desire to participate in positive change. Instead of letting turmoil weigh us down, we can channel our energy into becoming agents of hope, inspired and guided by divine love.

In conclusion, if we genuinely understand and trust that GOD is love, fully supportive, and dedicated to our highest good, we can find solace amid a world rife with challenges. By turning away from the anxiety fostered by our egos, recognizing our limitations, and surrendering to GOD’s divine wisdom, we open ourselves to a life filled with peace and purpose. Trusting in GOD’s love empowers us to navigate worldly chaos with grace and resilience, ultimately transforming our worries into opportunities for divine connection.

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Winter Spiritual Practices

Winter, especially close to the solstice, is not only a time of celebration but also an opportunity for spiritual reflection and connection. Here are some special winter solstice related spiritual practices that focus on personal growth, mindfulness, and connecting with others that you might consider:

1. Mindful Gratitude:
Gratitude Journaling: Take time each day leading up to the solstice to write down things you are grateful for, focusing on the positive aspects of your life and the year you’ve had.

Acts of Kindness: Perform simple acts of kindness for others, such as volunteering, helping a neighbor, or writing uplifting notes to friends and family.

2. Reflection and Intent Setting:
Year-End Reflection: Spend some quiet time reflecting on the past year. Consider your accomplishments, challenges, and the lessons learned. Write about what you want to carry into the next year.

Set Intentions: Define personal intentions or goals for the upcoming year, focusing on areas of growth, wellness, or relationships.

3. Nature Connection:
Outdoor Mindfulness Walks: Take a walk in nature, observing the beauty around you, appreciating the season, and reflecting on your feelings and thoughts.

Nature Journaling: Combine time in nature with journaling. Sketch or write about your observations and feelings inspired by the natural world.

4. Creative Expression:
Art and Crafting: Engage in creative activities such as painting, drawing, or crafting ornaments using natural materials, allowing your creativity to flow.

Writing Reflections or Poetry: Write poems, letters, or short stories inspired by the themes of love, joy, and togetherness.

5. Mindful Cooking and Baking:
Culinary Exploration: Try new recipes or bake cookies, focusing on the sensory experience of cooking—aromas, textures, and flavors. Share your creations with others.

Cook with Intent: While preparing meals, focus on the act of nourishing yourself and others, appreciating the ingredients and the effort involved.

6. Digital Detox:
Limit Screen Time: Take a break from social media and digital distractions to be more present in your life and relationships during the holiday season.

Unplug for a Day: Designate a day to unplug, spending time in nature, reading, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.

7. Connecting with Others:
Host a Gathering: Organize a gathering of friends or family, focused on connection and joy, perhaps sharing stories or participating in games that foster togetherness.

Intentional Conversations: Reach out to friends or family for meaningful conversations, catching up and sharing what’s important to you.

8. Self-Care Practices:
Mindfulness and Meditation: Engage in daily mindfulness or meditation, focusing on your breath or a peaceful image associated with the holiday season.

Take Time for Yourself: Prioritize self-care during the busyness of the holidays, ensuring time for relaxation, reading, or pursuing hobbies.

9. Creating a Cozy Space:
Home Environment: Transform your living space into a cozy retreat with soft lighting, seasonal decorations, and inviting scents, creating a sanctuary for tranquility and reflection.

Comfort Rituals: Establish routines that promote relaxation, such as warm baths, hot drinks, or reading by the fireplace.

10. Personal Giving:
Gift Yourself: Consider giving yourself a meaningful gift, such as a book that inspires you or a day of self-care. Focus on what truly nourishes your spirit.

Creative Gifts: Create handmade gifts for friends and family that carry your personal touch and thoughtfulness, emphasizing the value of connection over materialism.

Conclusion
These practices emphasize mindfulness, connection, and personal reflection, helping you tap into the spirit of the season without religious elements. Choose the practices that resonate with you to create a fulfilling and enriching holiday experience. If they work for you, they are also great any time of the year.

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Breathing is one of the most important of all of the functions of the body because so many other systems depend upon it. The survival rule of 3 says a person can survive 3 weeks without food, 3 days without water, but only 3 minutes without air. Humans are the only species on Earth that can control their breath. Multiple studies have shown that breathing correctly can improve your health, prevent diseases, prolong your life, and other benefits.

Children and those of indigenous groups (unless they have developed the bad habits of modern society) tend to breathe correctly. Most contemporary adults have shallow, rapid breathing habits which inhibit their health and well-being.

Breathing is the most important influencer of HRV (Heart Rate Variability) which is one of the best indicators of overall health. In addition, there are several rhythmical or controlled breathing exercises that not only can improve our health and prevent disease but can quiet our mind and even aid our spiritual growth.

NOSTRIL VS. MOUTH-BREATHING
Most adults breathe through their mouth instead of their nose, and it is no coincidence that it has been reported that at least 90% of all disease enters the body through the mouth. The human respiratory system is much more complex than most people realize. For example, the nose has 3 primary functions: to restrict the amount of air we breathe in, to filter that air, and to warm that air. Using mouth breathing we breathe too much air which causes oxidation of body cells among other problems. In addition, there is nothing between the mouth and lungs to filter the dust, dirt, and other impurities and germs in the air which leaves the entire respiratory system unprotected. Our nostrils are filled with warm mucous membranes to warm the inhaled air so that it does not damage the throat or lungs.

TAKE ACTION NOW
I teach Soma breathing exercises/workshops/classes. For more information about how breathing can improve your health, prevent disease, quiet your mind, enable spiritual growth, and references supporting the above claims, contact Michael Manning at mgm00056@earthlink.net or go to coachmichaelmanning.com/Soma.html

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Free will is the idea that humans (the only Beings on Earth that have a Soul) have the ability to make our own choices and determine our own fates. With this in mind, do people really have free will, or are people’s lives in fact shaped by powers outside of their control? This question has long challenged and still does challenge philosophers and religious thinkers, as well as scientists who have examined the problem from psychological and neuroscientific perspectives. In addition to these perspectives is the idea that people have free and the capacity to make choices undetermined by past events, a state Dynamism helps people attain and calls Personal Sovereignty.

Behavioral science firmly believes that an individuals’ behavioral tendencies and decisions are influenced by genetics, as well as by factors in the environment that may be outside of a person’s control. When considering free will, these beliefs suggest that there are, at least, some constraints on the range of decisions and behaviors a person will be inclined to make, or at a minimum to even to consider, in any given situation.

While there are many reasons to believe that a person’s will is not completely free of influence, there is no scientific consensus against free will.

The Truth is we live in a 12 dimensional free will Universe. The above philosophers, religious thinkers, and scientists do not take into account karma and reincarnation. Even most spiritual people do not fully and properly understand karma and reincarnation. Not only do we choose our parents, we also choose our DNA and most of the events that occur in our first 12 years on this planet. We make these choices before we even take our first breath in a human body. After age 12 most the events in our life are determined by the choices we make during the current lifetime, including those made as a young child.

Another consideration when pondering free will is Black magic which traditionally refers to the use of supernatural powers or magic for evil and/or selfish purposes, and has serious consequences (karma) because it violates free will. For example, occasionally I get a request demanding I MAKE so and so do such and such. Although I could do it, there is no amount of money (or anything else) that would even tempt me to do it, for hopefully obvious reasons. We may not like what someone does to us, or to our friends or relatives, but all of the participants (including ourselves) in that situation are there to learn and grow. You, I, or anyone else cannot interfere without SERIOUS consequences, no matter how we try to justify it. What I will do is ask for the highest outcome for everyone concerned in the situation in energetic equanimity and emotional harmony with no attachment to the outcome. Human nature seems to often make us feel guilty, so I want to make sure that you know I am not referring to requests from members for help before they go to court or meet with an ex, go on an interview, or whatever. These requests have always been voiced as wanting the highest good, and I am happy to help.

Want to take a deeper dive? Being released Summer 2023, is my upcoming course/e-book (tentatively called “Ascension”) which covers what’s in this introduction and much more. ESP Lab members are eligible for a discount. For any questions or comments on this article or anything else, I may be contacted at mgm00056@earthlink.net

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There are over 15 different definitions of love in a number of English dictionaries. These definitions define love as a feeling of deep affection and an affectionate concern for the well-being of others. Most of us can relate to these definitions using our own personal experiences. However, while dictionaries, in any language today, correctly define third dimensional conditional love, they are incorrect in their attempts to define the multi-dimensional aspects of unconditional love.

It is easy to describe and define aspects of life that one has consciously experienced, but it is nigh impossible to describe aspects of life that one has not consciously experienced. Thus, defining conditional love is simple, and defining unconditional love is beyond the capabilities of most people.

Today’s dictionaries incorrectly define the concept of unconditional love as being the benevolent affection of GOD for his creatures and the reverent affection due from them to GOD, which improperly defines both the word GOD and the higher dimensional levels of energy called unconditional love.

The concept that GOD is an angry white-haired old man originates from the misinterpretation of the phrase that human beings are created in the image of GOD. Another misinterpretation is that GOD is a He, She or an It. GOD is a three-letter word that is used to describe a conscious awareness that includes everyone and everything in our Universe, and in all 99 Universes in this creation. People have forgotten that GOD’s energies of unconditional love and unceasing light are everywhere in our universe.

In this article I will use the term GOD. If you are uncomfortable with that term, you may substitute Great Spirit, Source, Zero Point, or whatever term you are comfortable with.

A human physical body’s third dimensional Mind is capable of giving only Conditional Love. From a third dimensional perception, one’s brain takes a romantic relationship and attempts to make that relationship an Unconditional Love relationship based on some level of open-mindedness. However, the energies of Love in third dimensional relationships stop flowing when there is any type of emotional misunderstanding. One can give the higher dimensional energies of Unconditional Love only while one is in an Enlightened brain/Mind connection.

Earthly happy third dimensional Conditional Love Energies are the highest-level Love Energies generated by the human Physical Body’s brain. The lowest level Unconditional Love Energies are the heavenly Joyful fourth dimensional Love Energies generated by the human Emotional Body’s Mind.

Conditional love is remarkable and relates to the deep level of affection that 2 people in third dimensional physical bodies can feel for each other. Unconditional love, however, is a multi-dimensional level energy that can enable one who is ready to enter any dimensional level of our universe through what scientists today call wormholes.

Unconditional Love is an energy that is FAR greater and more fulfilling than the highest-level love energies that a mother or father feels for their child or the love that people have for each other. Unconditional love is an energy that goes far beyond the constraints of a temporary human physical body.

The vastness and incredible feelings of energies in the higher dimensional levels of unconditional love enables one to self-heal oneself, to heal others, and to experience the many wonders that exist in the higher dimensional levels of unconditional love in our universe.

There will be more information about all of the above in my upcoming course which I plan to release during the summer 2023. I may be contacted at mgm00056@earthlink.net

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Science proved 20+ years ago that there are 12 dimensions in our Universe. This is something the ancients knew and is written in the Vedas and referenced in the Old Testament. There are many things science does not understand, including energy. They estimate 68-94% of energy is “dark energy”, a term they use to describe what they don’t understand (in physical cosmology and astronomy, dark energy is defined as an unknown form of energy that affects the universe on the largest scales). Each dimension of the Universe has 2 energies, which can be called electro-magnetic and magneto-electric. The difference is whether the positive or negative ion leads. Thus, some people call the energies positive and negative. I prefer to call them Light and Love. Light is a purification type of energy whereas Love is a healing type of energy. It is the combinations of the interactions of these 2 energies in all 12 dimensions that make up all the “forces” (gravity, electromagnetism, dark energy, etc.) of “nature”. I won’t go into more detail here, but science has proven that the positive ions of wireless technology are harmful to our physical and emotional bodies. Analog technology (original TV signals for example) has no positive ions (it has a balance of Light and Love energy) and was/is no problem for us. But the proliferation of digital, positive ion energy has been depleting the Love energies on our planet and leading us on a path of destruction.

My highest mission is to prepare as many people as possible who are interested and are willing for the Ascension by teaching them the power and blessings of Unconditional Love, Unceasing Light, and Forgiveness. There is a legion of 144,000 from another Universe who have come to our planet to try to save us. I am writing a course which will include many details of all I have written above and topics such as Ascension, Enlightenment, Forgiveness, Karma, Reincarnation, Unconditional Love, and much more. I plan to have this available in 2023. If you are interested, please contact me at mgm00056@earthlink.net.

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Let’s turn to the sparkling BLUE LIGHT of PEACE, PROTECTION, POWER and PROSPERITY– Turn to oneness with the BLUE LIGHT– the positive healing creative BLUE LIGHT–  as we open ourselves to SPIRIT, STRENGTH, HEALTH, POWER & PEACE with INFINITE CREATIVITY– Let’s make this our 3rd or “extra” LIGHT attunement period for each day of FALL 2022. Know that YOU will be uplifted and helped by participating whether or not your name appears on this month’s special list.  To play with us, just find a relatively peaceful place in which to relax and focus your complete attention on THE INFINITE SOURCE OF ALL… or simply God if the term is OK with you.  Let your “imagination” fill in any blanks, but KNOW that there is always a response from the Infinite.  Feel it as a shaft of White Light beaming down on you ever so lovingly.  Bask in the Light and let it do a super cleansing job on your aura.   Then when you feel ready invite the Light to turn to Its SPARKLING BLUE color and continue: “‘I feel the Electric Blue Light flooding my aura and beingness with its super cleansing,  healing, transformative growth, and strength; with spirituality, effectiveness, clarity, prosperity, fun, and enthusiasm, attraction, freedom, relaxation, sensuality, perspective, healing power; psychic, spiritual and material plane growth, with laughter, personal magnetism, creativity, humor, joy, ectoplasm and extra FUN… It burns, loves and laughs away, purifies and/or completely annihilates anything in or near me that is blocking my ability to manifest wonderful progress in all areas of my life, as it brings me wonderful drive and loving inspiration for effectiveness, good health, charisma and success. I am filled to the happy overflowing point now, so I gladly share my good by directing the energy to flow out to today’s Special Night Light Members……….,   and then on through their personal experiences to my ESP Lab USA, International  and to EACH ONE OF US!! I feel a wonderful surge of fresh power as the great circuit is completed & the energy flows back to me– into my personal life– from my ESP Lab.  Thanks for the privilege of sharing the LIGHT! NOW LET THERE BE the SPARKLING  BLUE

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The first 11 lessons are an introduction to the “LIGHT” and its association with the seven best-known chakras.  Lesson 10 is particularly useful if you believe you are under psychic attack.  The five lessons that follow talk about various applications of using the LIGHT, such as getting rid of limiting conditions, attracting your perfect mate or brightening up the dark corners of your relationships, and improving your business success.  The last four lessons focus on the basics and foundation of all of spirituality.

Two of the major projects I am currently working on are fixing the typos and cleaning up the web version of the course and writing a follow-up course (tentatively named the “Advance LIGHT Course”) which will go deeper into many of the lessons from the original course plus add some of the recent discoveries of Quantum Physics (Al was at least 40 years ahead of his time and his big dream was to marry spirituality with science, exactly what Quantum Physics is doing today).  In addition, Sami and I are talking about co-leading an online workshop of “A New LIGHT of Help for You” starting this fall.  Stay tuned!

Chakras can become blocked by fear, guilt, shame, and many other stuck emotions and barriers.  Many people spiritually bypass these stuck emotions, especially those stuck in the lower three chakras.  This is like taking care of the top half of a building and not doing any maintenance on the lower half of the building – eventually, that building will come tumbling down.  To own our full power and face the challenges of life, we need to be present, balanced, and grounded.  None of the chakras is better than any of the others.  No color is better than any other color.  It is by using all of these in a balanced manner that we obtain true and sustainable growth.  “A New LIGHT of Help for You” will help you do that.

To learn more about “A New LIGHT of Help for You” go to https://esplab.com/light-lesson-1/

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The plain truth is that most of us interpret affirmations as lies. We don’t believe our own affirmations. Why? Because we are trying to convince ourselves of something we do not believe is true.

Now, traditional success teachers realize that you may not believe your affirmations, so they tell us to repeat our affirmations over and over. A thousand times, or a million times, or a bizillion times, or as many times as it takes until you eventually believe or manifest them.

How many times have you said positive affirmations (examples include “I am enough”, “I am rich” and “I’m happy”) and had absolutely nothing happen? Me too. About a gazillion other people have too.

The human mind is always in the process of asking questions and seeking answers. For example, if I ask you, “Why does a boat float?” your brain will immediately start seeking an answer.

“It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.” – Eugene Ionesco

Tony Robbins often says something to the effect that to be more successful you need to ask yourself better questions. Most people are unconsciously asking lousy questions, such as: “How come I am such a loser? Why can’t I do anything right? Why am I so lonely?

So if we make the affirmation “I am a millionaire”, our brain replies something like, “Yeah, right!” Asking “Why am I a millionaire?” will give you better results.

Try it right now. Ask yourself, “Why am I so rich?” Notice what your brain is doing right now? It is searching for the answer!

What is the primary Driver Question that is strongly influencing the outcome of your life? Years ago I came across the idea that we all live out of a “Driver Question” that acts as a compass — guiding us on either an anabolic or catabolic direction. Some people live out of the question, “What’s the next bad thing that’s going to happen?” or “How do I keep people from getting angry at me?” Some live in the question, “How do I impress people so I’ll be respected?”

Since the mind automatically triggers on questions, be VERY careful about the questions you ask yourself. Each question produces a different emotion and a different behavior. For example, if you ask yourself, “How do I keep people from getting angry at me?” it will create timidity and attract abusive individuals. “When will the next bad thing happen?” will usually produce fear and a focus on what’s awful. “How do I impress people so I will be respected?” often generates an inner emptiness and/or shallowness of character.

At one time I uncovered the fundamental question that ran my life was, “What do I have to get done next?” It was no coincidence that at the time I was acting more like a human doing than a human being.

The really great news about “Driver Questions” is that once we are aware of the principle, we can deliberately choose a more supportive question! This realization inspired a search for a question that would always show me my true north — a question that would consistently lead me in the right direction. What do you think might be your own Driver Question? Would there be any benefit in shifting it to something even more supportive?

Please consider a few of the following ‘Driver Question’ possibilities:

How can I be the best person I can possibly become? What do I really enjoy about my work right now?
How do I have so much fun, getting so much done in so little time? How can I serve others in a way that really works well for everyone? How can I fill my heart with more Love?

My current drive question is “How can I best express love and kindness? Another great question you might want to ask yourself is: “Why am I allowed to do, be and have all that I want in life?”

In Light and Love,
Michael

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We tend to associate spirituality with transcendental, heightened states of being that are invariably related to the emotions of joy, happiness, contentment, and deep inner peace.

Spiritual growth and its journey can be life-changing.  It can make you happier, healthier, more connected to Source (God, Spirit, Zero-Point, whatever term works for you), feel safe and well taken care of, and finally give you the tools you need to live an authentic, fulfilling life.

The term ‘spiritual bypassing’ was originally coined by psychologist John Welwood in 1984.  As he explained in an interview, “Spiritual bypassing is a term I coined to describe a process I saw happening in the Buddhist community I was in, and also in myself.  Although most of us were sincerely trying to work on ourselves, I noticed a widespread tendency to use spiritual ideas and practices to sidestep or avoid facing unresolved emotional issues, psychological wounds, and unfinished developmental tasks.”

The issues Welwood is referring to include the loss of a beloved, a relationship breakup, childhood abuse, family problems, low self-esteem, loneliness, self-sabotaging behaviors, fear, emotional or mental health issues, and any other problems life presents.  In short, spiritual bypassing is the use of spiritual practices and beliefs to avoid dealing with our painful feelings, unresolved wounds, and developmental needs.

For many people, spirituality becomes a crutch used as a way of standing back up again in the face of life’s turmoil – and sometimes this is necessary.  We all need support at times – the problem comes when spirituality is used as a drug for which we become dependent on in order to bypass the pain and darker elements of our lives.

When spirituality is employed as a defense mechanism to ward off the “bad parts” of our existence, it actually becomes our greatest hindrance, preventing us from developing authenticity, true courage, and wholeness; qualities that refine our souls.  The use of spirituality can provide us with a solid place to hide, but in doing so it traps us in an all-is-happy-and-perfect illusion.

If you think you have done spiritual bypassing yourself or know anyone who has, do not beat yourself (or others) up about it, it is a pitfall many fall into for at least a moment.  Spirituality often feels great!  That is why it is easy to get stuck on the positive side of it, but it can also mean that you are repressing and avoiding everything else.  Long term, that does not serve you.  The good news is that by realizing you may be spiritually bypassing the full experience of human life, you can make the changes necessary to progress to the next level where spirituality makes you feel good, makes you grow, and creates a launching pad for you to achieve everything else in life as well.

There are so many promises out there that this path or that practice will allow you to live in a perpetual state of bliss, achieving all of your goals, becoming rich and thin in the process.  Who doesn’t want that?

I am amazed at all the ways in which we try to feel endlessly good.  We’ve gotten progressively more skillful in our methods:  turning away from drugs or alcohol to alter our consciousness and turning towards things like self-help books, meditation, yoga, prayer, clearing techniques, and special diets.  But when using any of those practices we can also distract ourselves from our feelings, thinking that we are walking a healthy spiritual path.

People often ask me about a particular spiritual practice, hoping that their particular belief or experience with spirituality does not fall prey to spiritual bypass.  Often they try to convince me that when done properly, their spiritual practice is about connection, greater consciousness, and acceptance.  I reply that spiritual bypass is an equal opportunity defense mechanism.  It is more associated with what we do with our spiritual practice than it is related to the practice itself.

Types of Spiritual Bypassing

There are many types of spiritual bypassing that may show up in life.  Some of the more common examples include:

The Optimistic Bypass

Most of us have met people who love to laugh and smile, yet seem to be forcefully optimistic.  “Focus on the positive!”, “See the glass as half full!”, and “Don’t let a frown get you down!” – these are some of the common catchphrases of people who tend to use optimism as a way of avoiding the more somber and troublesome realities of life.

The Aggrandizement Bypass

This is a type of self-delusion that is used as a way of masking one’s perceived deficiencies and insecurities.  The aggrandizement bypass is adopted by those who seek to feel superior, enlightened, or having reached higher planes of existence.

The Victim Bypass

When one becomes a victim of their own gifts (empath, prophetic, etc.), or of other people, it takes away the pressure of taking responsibility for one’s happiness.  This form of spiritual bypassing is often used by people who believe they have extrasensory gifts of some kind, but due to their gifts, they are unable to feel healthy or happy.

The Psychonaut Bypass

Many spiritual seekers use psychedelic drugs such as LSD, mescaline, psilocybin mushrooms, and other entheogens that expand the mind and perception of existence to explore the frontiers of the mind and reality.  However, like any other drug, this can be used as a way of escaping reality and avoiding committing to personal development and soulful refinement.

The Saint Bypass

The Saint Bypass is similar to the Optimistic Bypass.  It promotes the underlying belief that spiritual people can’t have dark sides because that would make them “unspiritual”.  The Saint Bypass is essentially an avoidance of one’s Shadow by overcompensating with the guise of a sweet, heavenly exterior.  It is an example of extreme “black or white” thinking.

The Finger-Pointing Bypass

Finger-pointing instills us with a false sense of righteousness, abdicating our responsibility of looking inside and working on ourselves.  The Finger-Pointing bypass is a powerful form of avoidance and procrastination.

I Think I Am Spiritually Bypassing.  Now What?

Spiritual bypassing is a psychological defense mechanism.  Although the defense looks a lot prettier than other defenses, it serves the same purpose.  Spiritual bypassing keeps us from the truth, disconnects us from our feelings, and makes us avoid the big picture.  It is more about checking out than checking in—and the difference is so subtle that we usually don’t even know we are doing it.

The reality is that most likely we ALL “spiritually bypass” or avoid or disavow or project onto others the parts we don’t like in ourselves, at least some of the time.

If you suspect yourself of spiritually bypassing the first thing to remember is that we all do it!  Growth is not about being perfect; rather it’s about making progress.  The more honest you are about your own behaviors, the more you can grow.  It is as easy as that.

One important way to keep from falling into spiritual bypassing is to understand that all emotions serve you.  There are no bad emotions, even when they make us feel ‘bad’.  Any emotions that come up in life need to be felt, acknowledged, thanked for their messages, and released—not repressed by the latest fad clearing technique.  The reality is that we don’t get through this human experience without feeling strong feelings including anger, greed, jealousy, pain, anxiety, grief, etc.  All feelings contain valuable information for us, and when we learn to feel, accept, and appropriately express all of those feelings within us, we move towards psychological and spiritual wholeness.

The next step is being at peace with how long healing and growth may take.  You do not have to be a fully awakened spiritual master tomorrow, and even those who seem like they have reached that level are still going through their own processes.

Finally, the remedy to spiritual bypassing is to work with your shadow—the darker corners of your personality and soul that carry negative thoughts or emotions.  By working with them instead of ignoring that part of you, you will bring a balance to your spiritual journey and growth.

Conclusion

There is nothing wrong with positivity, but if it becomes a way of ignoring reality, it can become an issue.  You cannot ignore negative emotions and thoughts and hope that yoga (or other positive focused practices such as tapping, ACT, EFT, NLP, Rich and Race, LIIFT, ACT, body code, emotion code, and a myriad of other “clearing” practices) will immediately take them away.  They need to be addressed and taken care of in order for you to transmute the ‘darkness’ and grow.  You can be an amazing person and still have feelings of jealousy, fear, sadness, grief, or regret.  Accepting them as a part of who you are instead of ignoring them will make you a more enlightened and emotionally healthy person.

The purpose of Nature is the advancement, growth, unfoldment, and expansion of life.  Real-life means the complete expression of all that one can give forth through the body, mind, and soul.  Practices focused on positivity deny anything “negative” and the lessons that need to be learned.  Usually, when you bypass a lesson, it will keep coming back again and again and will get bigger and bigger each time until you are almost forced to learn the lesson.

Practices focused on positivity have some great processes for discovering core wounds and helping people in the short term.  Long term they are usually toxic.  It is like someone getting shot, the bullet is still in their arm; they clean the wound a little, maybe stitch up the wound if necessary, and put a bandage over it.  Then every time it visibly festers, they clean it again, redress the wound, and put another bandage over it.  The scar gets thicker and thicker making it harder and harder to properly heal the wound.  The key is to discover what the experiences and pains are telling you so that you can finally heal.

A common theme amongst those that endorse any of the positive focused practices is that “anything is possible”, so why not clear the easy way.  However, these practices bypass the learning necessary for spiritual growth and the full expression of life.  The true purpose of life is learning, healing our wounds, accepting, growing, advancement, unfoldment, and expansion.

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