In this episode of The Fertile Dark, I'm joined by guest co-host Charmaine Fuller to explore the concept of spiritual bypassing—the ways in which spirituality can sometimes be used to sidestep deeper healing rather than engage with it. Together, we discuss the tension between genuine spiritual growth and avoidance, drawing on concepts like the holy longing, the work of thinkers like Robert Augustus Masters and Carl Jung, and mythic stories that illustrate what happens when we resist the harder parts of the journey.

We dive into the role of forgiveness, the misuse of spiritual jargon, and the growing phenomenon of psychedelics being used as a means of bypassing rather than integrating healing. This episode is an invitation to engage in self-inquiry and discernment, embracing the harder parts of the journey rather than escaping them.

Episode Topics:

1. What is Spiritual Bypassing?

   • Defining the concept and its origins, including the work of Robert Augustus Masters.

   • How spiritual practices can be used to avoid personal growth rather than facilitate it.

2. Common Forms of Spiritual Bypassing

   • The misuse of forgiveness and “high vibrational” thinking as avoidance tactics.

   • The role of psychedelics in bypassing deep emotional work rather than integrating it.

3. Engaging Spirituality with Discernment

   • Recognizing when spirituality becomes a tool for avoidance.

   • Practical approaches to integrating difficult emotions and experiences into personal growth.

Resources & References:

• Spiritual Bypassing: When Spirituality Disconnects Us from What Really Matters by Robert Augustus Masters

• The work of Carl Jung on shadow integration

• Mythological narratives that explore avoidance vs. confrontation of personal challenges

Call to Action:

• Reflect on your own spiritual practices—are they helping you grow, or are they being used to bypass difficult emotions?

• Join the conversation! Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know how you’ve encountered spiritual bypassing in your own journey.

Connect with Us:

• Email: podcast@fertiledark.com

• Instagram: @thefertiledark

• Facebook: The Fertile Dark

• YouTube: The Fertile Dark

• Website: www.fertiledark.com

Guest Information:

• Charmaine Fuller

• Follow Charmaine’s work: https://www.charmainefuller.com

We’d love to hear from you—share your insights and experiences in the comments or tag us on social media!