Good vibes only vs. reality: tackling spiritual bypassing in yoga.

“I have to unfollow you. Your energy is really negative and brings low vibrations,” her message read. She was referring to my tendency to share concerns about global issues—like the ongoing violence in Gaza.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a talent for bringing the mood down at parties. While my classmates excitedly chatted about elephants and butterflies, I’d waltz in with a presentation on faraway conflicts and human rights issues. You can only imagine the enthusiasm in the room! One parent even complained that my talk kept their kid up at night (You’re welcome, little one! Welcome to the real world! I thought, at the wise old age of 9).

So, when I read her message, I felt a familiar frustration bubble up. It’s the same frustration I felt back then: some folks would rather cosy up with their “good vibes” than face harsh realities. Apparently, her vibrations were more precious than acknowledging the suffering of countless others. This mindset overlooks our privilege. We have the luxury of choosing not to care because our basic needs are met and we live in safety. Meanwhile, a child in Gaza doesn’t have that option; their very lives are at stake, and they can’t simply opt out of caring about their reality.

I usually write about personal development and growth in this blog, but I think it’s time to address something that’s been gnawing at me, particularly in the yoga community. Let’s talk toxic positivity, spiritual bypassing, and the trend of individualism—the stuff that encourages people to chant “love and light” while tuning out anything uncomfortable.

What she did is a classic example of toxic positivity—a “good vibes only” mentality where anything negative gets shut down faster than a bad playlist in a yoga class. By labeling my energy as too negative, she opted to dodge the tough reality in favour of preserving her bubble of positivity. Now, don’t get me wrong; it’s vital to filter what we take in, set boundaries, and prioritise self-care, and I can’t fault her for that. But there’s a fine line! Toxic positivity is like slapping a smiley face sticker on a flat tire instead of actually fixing it. Sure, it may look cheerful, but it won’t take you anywhere meaningful in the long run.

In yoga communities, we often encounter spiritual bypassing, where phrases like “everything happens for a reason” or “just focus on love and light” float around like confetti. It’s like trying to find your center in a yoga class while someone cheerfully chants “good vibes” and ignores the storm brewing outside. Sure, focusing on the positive is great, but when it’s used to sidestep the world’s suffering, it can disconnect us from what’s really going on. Moreover, this mindset can inadvertently shift blame onto those who are struggling, suggesting that their issues are simply a result of their negative energy or mindset. Instead of fostering empathy and understanding, it promotes a narrative where people feel responsible for their own suffering, ignoring the complex realities that contribute to their struggles.

This trend of “me, myself, and I” isn’t new; it’s a result of several influences blending into a delicious smoothie of self-care and personal growth. And hey, self-care is important! Just like on an airplane, we need to put our own oxygen masks on first before helping others. But it seems like, in part of today’s yoga world, we’re all sitting there with our masks on, thinking, “I’m good, so everything’s good.”

Meanwhile, we’re witnessing a strange political pendulum swing, where former left-leaning spiritual folks have leaped to the more extreme/ alt-right, all in the name of personal freedom. The fallout from COVID and the vaccination debates has brought together an unlikely alliance of individuals who once championed communal values, now shouting about personal liberties louder than a drum circle at sunrise. As trust in mainstream narratives wanes, these former hippies have traded their tie-dye for more conservative hues, prioritising their individual rights over collective responsibility, leaving us scratching our heads and wondering how we got here.

This didn’t happen overnight. The wellness industry has exploded into a multi-billion-dollar operation, with yoga studios, retreats, and influencers promising personal transformation. As yoga becomes more about individual health and happiness, it’s easy to lose sight of the collective picture.

And then we have New Age spirituality—where the mantra “your thoughts create your reality” reigns supreme. If you’re constantly told to “vibrate higher,” it’s tempting to turn inward and manage your own vibes while tuning out anything that feels heavy. Combine that with capitalism’s knack for turning anything spiritual into a marketable product, and suddenly yoga classes become more about personal goals than collective well-being. Yoga and meditation, once seen as pathways to liberation, are now often marketed as tools for productivity and success, encouraging a relentless pursuit of personal achievement.

Now throw in some social media influencers who, bless their hearts, often share messages like, “Don’t get bogged down in negativity,” or “Manifest your dreams.” It’s a well-intentioned pep talk, but it can leave out some of the heavier conversations we need to have.

The result? A style of yoga that focuses heavily on self-improvement while glossing over larger issues. This shift kind of misses the heart of what yoga is all about. The word “yoga” itself means “union” or “connection”—it’s about recognising that we’re all in this together. We practice yoga to move towards freedom, but we can’t achieve that in isolation. True freedom is intertwined with the freedom of others; we will never be truly free if those around us are still bound by suffering and oppression. By acknowledging this interconnectedness, we embrace the essence of yoga, which encourages us to work towards collective liberation while nurturing our own personal growth.

 

Finding solutions in the roots of yoga

“Okay, I have to admit, after my little rantfest in the past few paragraphs, that woman might have been onto something by unfollowing me. But hang on! I actually love diving into solutions, so let’s flip the script and see where we can go from here!”

Returning to the roots of yoga can help counter the self-centeredness that occasionally seeps into wellness culture. At its core, yoga is about union—connecting with ourselves and the world around us. This idea of interconnectedness is central to many philosophical traditions, particularly non-dualism as expressed in Advaita Vedanta, Zen Buddhism and Tantra just to name a few. Non-dualism teaches that the distinction between self and other is an illusion; we are all part of a greater whole. This perspective invites us to see that the divine essence permeates everything—from the tiniest blade of grass to the vast expanse of the universe.

When we recognise this fundamental interconnectedness, our understanding of ourselves shifts. We come to realise that our actions resonate beyond our individual experiences; every choice we make ripples through the fabric of existence. This awareness cultivates a sense of responsibility towards not only ourselves but also our communities, the environment, and all sentient beings.

Concepts like ahimsa (non-violence) serve as a powerful bridge between personal practice and activism. Ahimsa goes beyond simply avoiding harm; it’s about treating others, animals, and the environment with compassion, inspiring us to take a stand against violence and actively promote peace. When we practice ahimsa in the context of our interconnectedness, we understand that violence against one is violence against all. This realisation can fuel our commitment to social justice and collective well-being, guiding us toward actions that foster harmony and understanding.

Now, let’s throw satya into the mix, which means truthfulness. Practicing satya means being honest with ourselves and others, acknowledging the complexities of life instead of sugarcoating reality. When we look at it this way, activism becomes a natural extension of yoga. The traditional teachings emphasise community and service. The Sanskrit term seva refers to selfless service, all about giving back and being part of a collective effort to create positive change. Returning to these roots shifts the focus from “How can I feel better?” to “How can I make the world better?”

Yoga teaches us mindfulness—not just of our breath or body, but also of the world around us. By reconnecting with this deeper awareness, we begin to recognise that the suffering of others impacts us all, and our practice extends far beyond the mat. Many modern yoga practitioners have embraced this idea, embodying the principles of ahimsa and Satya in their efforts to promote social change and compassion in action.

So, let’s celebrate the self-care revolution, but remember that yoga isn’t just about putting on your oxygen mask and calling it a day. The real goal is to help others too! By embracing the principles of ahimsa and seva, we can blend personal growth with social responsibility.

Ultimately, let’s embrace the roots of yoga: living mindfully, practicing ahimsa and satya, and seeing our well-being as part of a larger picture. Our practice doesn’t end when we step off the mat; it continues in how we show up for others, care for the planet, and work toward creating a more compassionate world. Sure, you have the option to disengage or unfollow, especially when the vibe gets a bit too heavy. But let’s also remember the privilege that allows us to do so—and instead of just scrolling past the tough stuff, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making the world a bit better! After all, it’s all about connection, compassion, and maybe even sharing a giggle or two along the way. So here’s the blog post to balance our good vibes with some real talk, because together we can make a difference, one mindful moment at a time! 🌟