151. Spiritual Bypass, unload the Shotgun.

In exploring the obstacles to our practice, we often uncover deep layers of our own history, including past traumas that shape much of our current experience. Trauma can have a profound influence on our lives, often leading us to react in ways that are automatic, even unconscious. For Jeff, part of this involves what he calls his “edgy ex-medic” side—a part of him that can be brash or blunt, a side shaped by his past experiences in high-stress situations. Recognizing these elements in ourselves is essential to understanding the ways trauma may color our perceptions and responses in the present.

A fitting example of this self-reflection is Jeff's initial choice of the term Shotgun Breath—a forceful term for what is meant to be a calming practice. Upon reflection, he acknowledges that Shotgun Breath isn’t the most soothing name and recognizes it may reflect his own past intensity. The intention, however, is to transition from this “edgy” state into one that is more serene. Through breathwork, we’re aiming to reach a gentler, more peaceful place in both body and mind, where we can truly experience calmness.

Whether through chanting OM (ॐ) or other pranayama practices, the goal is to make these practices as subtle as possible. The vibration of OM, when chanted quietly and internally, can serve as an anchor to tranquility. Similarly, pranayama, which includes a wide variety of breathwork techniques, is meant to steady and calm the mind. But we must ensure that in striving for peace, we’re not inadvertently creating a “spiritual bypass”—using spiritual or yogic practices as a means to escape or avoid facing our real-life issues.

Spiritual bypassing occurs when we use practices to gloss over or ignore our pain and problems instead of addressing them head-on. In all of our efforts toward calm and clarity, it’s crucial to remain honest with ourselves. Are we using our practice to truly work through our challenges, or are we avoiding something difficult in our lives? Jeff encourages us to pause and ask: Are you bypassing anything in your life? By reflecting on this question, we’re prompted to bring awareness to the ways we approach both our struggles and our healing practices, striving for a life of genuine peace rather than one built on avoidance.