Moving Beyond Spiritual Bypassing and Numbing

It’s Time to Liberate the Self

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I just need to think positively,” or avoiding a hard truth or conversation by distracting yourself with work, social media, or even wellness practices? These behaviors — often referred to as spiritual bypassing or numbing — are ways we try to escape discomfort. While they may offer temporary relief, they keep us from the deeper healing and connection we truly crave.

Understanding Spiritual Bypassing and Numbing
Spiritual bypassing happens when we use spirituality, positivity, or avoidance to sidestep difficult emotions or painful truths. Numbing, on the other hand, can take many forms: overworking, endless scrolling, losing yourself in relationships, bingeing Netflix, or even diving headfirst into productivity as a way to avoid what’s really going on inside.

These habits often arise from a desire to protect ourselves, but over time, they create distance — between us and our emotions, and between us and the people we love. We lose touch with the parts of ourselves that long to be seen, heard, and understood.

The Cost of Avoidance
The problem is when we avoid discomfort, we also avoid growth. The emotions we suppress don’t disappear; they linger beneath the surface, influencing our relationships, our decisions, and our sense of Self. And perhaps most heartbreakingly, this avoidance keeps us from experiencing the depth of connection and joy that comes from living authentically.

Reconnecting with Your Whole Self
True liberation comes when we stop running and start turning toward ourselves with curiosity and compassion. It means learning to sit with the discomfort, to feel the hard feelings, and to embrace the parts of ourselves we’ve tried to hide. Only then can we begin to heal and reclaim the fullness of who we are.

Your Reflection for Today
Pause for a moment and consider:

• Where in your life are you avoiding discomfort?
• What feelings might you be numbing or bypassing?
• How could leaning into these emotions open the door to greater connection and freedom?

Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to stop running and start reclaiming your whole self, join us in Baja, Mexico, for From Self-Abandonment to Inner Belonging. This retreat offers a safe and supportive space to:

• Release patterns of avoidance and numbing.
• Reconnect with your emotions through transformative practices like breath work and somatic movement.
• Build trust in yourself and learn to embrace your authentic self.

Through guided therapeutic groups, nourishing meals, and immersive nature experiences, you’ll have the opportunity to step into 2025 with clarity, courage, and connection.

Ready for Transformation?
Use code MEDIUM300 for $300 off your spot in Baja, December 29–January 4. Only three slots remain — let’s start the new year with intention and belonging.