The Hidden Dangers of Toxic Positivity in Spiritual Practice
Today I want to address a phenomenon that can be subtle and damaging in our spiritual journey: toxic positivity. This issue is incredibly close to my heart as it touches on the authenticity and integrity of our healing process.
Toxic positivity in spiritual circles often presents itself as an insistence on positive thinking, even in the face of genuine pain, loss, or trauma. It's a narrative that urges us to constantly seek the silver lining, to transform every negative into a positive. While maintaining a positive outlook can be beneficial, this extreme form of positivity can lead to denial and self-alienation.
This approach can also take the form of spiritual gaslighting – making us question our feelings and experiences. It suggests that if we're unable to find positivity in our struggles, we're somehow failing at our spiritual practice. This can be incredibly harmful, especially for those dealing with deep-seated trauma. Healing should not be about ignoring or glossing over our pain but acknowledging and working through it.
The truth is, not every experience has a positive side, and acknowledging this is not negativity – it's realism. Real healing involves confronting our pain, understanding it, and learning to live with it, not forcefully converting it into something it's not. In my practice, I emphasize the importance of validating all emotions. It's OK to feel hurt, it's OK to grieve, and it's OK to be angry. These emotions are integral to our human experience.
As practitioners, we must be wary of those who push the narrative of relentless positivity, especially when it comes to trauma. Healing from trauma is a delicate process that requires patience, understanding, and, most importantly, acceptance of one's true feelings. Attempting to bypass these feelings with forced positivity does more harm than good.
In Reiki, we learn the power of energy flow in healing physical and emotional wounds. This flow requires authenticity and acceptance. When we accept our emotions, we allow energy to flow naturally, aiding in genuine healing. Similarly, mindfulness teaches us to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment or forceful change. This practice helps us understand ourselves better and fosters a healthy, balanced perspective towards life's challenges.
To anyone on their healing journey, remember this: Your feelings are valid, and there is strength in vulnerability. Healing doesn't always have to involve finding the positive in every situation. Sometimes, it's about making peace with the reality of our experiences. The path to true peace and healing isn't through ignoring our pain but embracing our entire being, with all its complexities and contradictions.
While positivity is a valuable tool in our spiritual toolbox, it's crucial to use it wisely and authentically. Let's commit to a healing journey that honors our whole selves, recognizing that sometimes, the most profound healing comes from simply being present with our pain, understanding it, and learning to coexist with it.