Continuing forward from the launch of Decolonize Consciousness Evolver Learning Labs in November 2014, we will be having a follow up discussion focusing on the topic of Spiritual Bypassing.
“Spiritual bypassing, a term first coined by psychologist John Welwood in 1984, is the use of spiritual practices and beliefs to avoid dealing with our painful feelings, unresolved wounds, and developmental needs. It is much more common than we might think and, in fact, is so pervasive as to go largely unnoticed, except in its more obvious extremes.” (excerpt from article by author Robert Augustus Masters).
Evolver Sporeganizers joined by guest speakers (TBA) will be unpacking how spiritual bypassing plays a role in contributing oppression in efforts related to consciousness raising particularly in New Age/Festival/Entheogenic culture. We will examine:
- Examples of spiritual bypassing
- The impacts this creates on those directly effected by this behavior and in being able to become accomplices in solidarity movements.
- Ideas on how to address this behavior in a compassionate and effective way.
This Learning Lab will be of interest to those who wish to enhance their leadership skills with an anti-oppression awareness and assist in cultural healing of historical trauma in the world. It is encouraged that people participate with their fellow organizers they work with, people they share in ceremony or spiritual practices with and generally aim to have support for some of the potentially difficult emotions that may arise from this work.
This work is directed towards the centering of indigenous voice first in the processes of decolonization and is not for the sole benefit of settlers. We ask all participants to practice stepping back to allow this voice to be most prominent.
Link: https://evolver.webex.com/evolver/onstage/g.php?MTID=e05d10bd2ed5f6b3403984436a79dae48
Password: spore
Mobile Webex event number (iOS 7 devices only): 661 734 841
Facilitated by Evolver Sporeganizer and Cross-Cultural Relations Officer for Evolver Network, Sobey Wing.
Sobey Wing is a hapa (mixed) descent cis-gendered male whose ancestry is from the Central Visayas of the so-called Philippines, Spanish, Cantonese, & French Acadian. He is a visitor on Unceded Coast Salish Territories and the principle Sporeganizer in so-called Vancouver BC. He currently sits on the board of Kathara Pilipino Indigenous Arts Collective & Youth Passageways. He is also a member of the Evolver Network Wisdom Council and co-founding member and dj with Full Moon Medicine Collective.
Please familiarize with Decolonize Consciousness group on Facebook and the first episode recording from November 2014 in preparation for this online event if possible.
Donations accepted to support broadcasting costs. Surplus funds can be directed towards supporting indigenous led sacred land defense efforts.
