This contemplative practice is designed to help you gently and honestly examine your spiritual practices for signs of spiritual bypassing. It encourages self-awareness, curiosity, and a commitment to deeper integration, without judgment or self-criticism.
Preparation
- Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably.
- Have a journal and pen nearby to jot down insights.
- Allow 30 minutes for this practice.
Step 1: Set Your Intention
Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and silently repeat an intention such as, “I approach this practice with curiosity and compassion” or “I seek to uncover what serves my growth and let go of what does not.”
Step 2: Grounding
Take a few moments to ground yourself in the present moment. Feel your feet on the floor, the weight of your body in your chair, and the rhythm of your breath. Let yourself settle into a state of calm awareness.
Step 3: Reflect on a Recent Spiritual Practice or Belief
Bring to mind a specific spiritual practice, belief, or idea you’ve been engaging with recently. It might be meditation, affirmations, reading spiritual texts, or a particular worldview. Hold it gently in your awareness.
Ask yourself:
- What drew me to this practice or belief?
- How does it make me feel?
- What do I hope to gain from it?
Notice any emotional responses—curiosity, discomfort, joy, resistance—and allow them to simply be.
Step 4: Explore with Compassionate Curiosity
Now, ask yourself the following questions, taking time to reflect deeply:
- Am I Using This to Avoid Discomfort? Do I turn to this practice or belief to avoid difficult emotions, unresolved pain, or uncomfortable situations? Am I bypassing opportunities to confront something challenging in myself or my relationships?
- Is This Helping Me Engage with Life or Escape It? Does this practice help me feel more connected to myself, others, and the world? Or does it create a sense of detachment, separation, or avoidance?
- Am I Attached to Appearances? Do I feel pressure to perform or display my spirituality to others? Am I more focused on how this practice looks (to myself or others) than how it transforms me?
- Is There Shadow Work I’m Avoiding? Are there aspects of myself—anger, sadness, fear—that I’ve labeled as ‘unspiritual’ or tried to suppress? Am I willing to bring these into the light with compassion and curiosity?
Step 5: Pause for Insight
Spend a moment sitting with what has come up for you. Avoid rushing to fix or judge anything—just observe. If any specific emotions, memories, or realizations arise, acknowledge them without pushing them away.
Step 6: Journaling
Take your journal and write about your reflections. Use these prompts to guide your writing:
- What did I learn about my motivations or patterns?
- Are there aspects of my spirituality that feel authentic and deeply nourishing?
- Are there areas where I may be avoiding discomfort or engaging in spiritual bypassing?
- What small steps can I take to bring more authenticity and integration into my spiritual journey?
Step 7: Closing Affirmation
End your practice with a grounding affirmation. You can improvise one, or try this example:
“I honor the courage it takes to face myself with honesty and compassion. I trust that growth comes from embracing all parts of my experience. I am committed to a spirituality that nourishes and transforms me.”
Take a few more deep breaths, allowing yourself to feel centered and supported. When you feel ready, rise slowly and intentionally, exhale deeply, and continue your day.
Optional Follow-Up
This kind of self-inquiry can be some of the most difficult spiritual integration work, because it requires us to see past our own defenses and blind spots. Many people are simply unwilling to attempt it. To aid in authentic discovery, it can be helpful to repeat this practice weekly or monthly to check in with your spiritual journey. You may need to put it on the calendar or set a reminder so you don’t conveniently forget to check in with yourself. Over time, you may notice patterns or shifts that guide you toward greater integration and wholeness.
