Robert Augustus Masters delves into the depths of human psychology and spirituality, employing an integral approach that synthesizes the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of being. His work emphasizes the development of a radically inclusive form of psychospiritual practice, rooted in the intimacy of self-awareness. Masters' writing, often drawn from profound personal experiences, offers deep insights into transformation and authentic masculinity, inviting readers to explore the full spectrum of their existence.
Focusing on self-awareness, this guide offers insights for individuals seeking to enhance intimacy and cultivate more loving and passionate monogamous relationships. It delves into the dynamics of connection, encouraging readers to explore their emotions and desires to foster deeper bonds with their partners. Through practical advice and reflective exercises, the book aims to empower readers to create fulfilling and liberating romantic experiences.
: When Spirituality Disconnects Us from What Really Matters (16pt Large Print Edition)
338 pages
12 hours of reading
Exploring the concept of spiritual bypassing, this book examines how spiritual beliefs can be misused to evade painful emotions and unresolved psychological issues. It highlights the dangers of prioritizing spiritual ideals over fundamental psychological needs, leading to harmful behaviors such as self-judgment and emotional dissociation. Written by an experienced psychotherapist, the text aims to deepen understanding of the unconscious ways religion can be abused. It appeals to those seeking a more mature spiritual practice and greater self-awareness in their relationships.
Spiritual bypassing—the use of spiritual beliefs to avoid dealing with painful feelings, unresolved wounds, and developmental needs—is so pervasive that it goes largely unnoticed. The spiritual ideals of any tradition, whether Christian commandments or Buddhist precepts, can provide easy justification for practitioners to duck uncomfortable feelings in favor of more seemingly enlightened activity. When split off from fundamental psychological needs, such actions often do much more harm than good.While other authors have touched on the subject, this is the first book fully devoted to spiritual bypassing. In the lineage of Chögyam Trungpa’s landmark Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism, Spiritual Bypassing provides an in-depth look at the unresolved or ignored psychological issues often masked as spirituality, including self-judgment, excessive niceness, and emotional dissociation. A longtime psychotherapist with an engaging writing style, Masters furthers the body of psychological insight into how we use (and abuse) religion in often unconscious ways. This book will hold particular appeal for those who grew up with an unstructured new-age spirituality now looking for a more mature spiritual practice, and for anyone seeking increased self-awareness and a more robust relationship with themselves and others.
