Why Spiritual Polarity Teachings Can Be Harmful

By Allison Batty-Capps, Blossoming Heart Wellness

Spiritual teachings can be beautiful guides, but some ideas — even well-meaning ones — can have unintended consequences. One example that has been circulating is the teaching that souls choose their polarity — light or dark — before coming to Earth. While this may sound intriguing or comforting, it can also create harm if taken as absolute truth.

Why the Polarity Teaching Can Be Harmful

At first glance, the idea of pre-determined spiritual polarity may feel reassuring. It gives a sense of cosmic order, of knowing where we “stand” in the spiritual hierarchy. But when this teaching is interpreted as absolute:

• It removes accountability from people who cause harm.
• It implies victims “chose” their suffering.
• It normalizes neglect, abuse, and violence.
• It encourages spiritual bypassing, avoiding the work of growth and repair.
• It can create shame or self-blame in those trying to navigate spiritual growth while holding trauma histories.

As humans, we naturally want certainty and meaning. But ethical spirituality requires us to examine teachings critically: do they guide us toward healing, ethical action, and embodied presence, or do they subtly excuse harm?

A Trauma-Informed Lens

Trauma changes the nervous system, affecting how we perceive danger, trust, and safety. Neuroscience and psychology show that unhealed wounds can influence both behavior and perception. When spiritual teachings suggest that suffering is “chosen,” trauma survivors — or anyone with protective nervous system patterns — may hear: “Something is wrong with me.”

This can lead to deep shame, guilt, and spiritual bypassing, rather than fostering integration and growth.

Integrating Psychology, Neuroscience, and Spirituality

From a trauma-informed and embodied spirituality perspective:

• Harm emerges not because souls are “negative”, but because unhealed wounds, nervous system dysregulation, and unresolved trauma remain in the system.
• True spiritual practice is about healing, not bypassing the messiness of being human.
• Accountability is not opposed to compassion. In fact, it enhances ethical action and spiritual maturity.

Both psychology and neuroscience emphasize that protective parts — what some spiritual practices might label as the ego — are not the enemy. These parts developed to help us survive. When we attack or bypass them, we inadvertently increase internal conflict and resistance.

Ethical Spirituality: Compassion Meets Accountability

Healing and spiritual growth are about integration, not avoidance. Compassion and accountability can coexist:

• Compassion: Recognizing that people act from unhealed systems, trauma, or fear.
• Accountability: Taking responsibility for our choices, actions, and the impact we have on others.

This is the foundation of ethical, trauma-informed spirituality. It’s about responding to life with wisdom, integrity, and care — not moralizing, shaming, or bypassing the human experience.

Moving Forward: Reflection and Curiosity

If you’ve been drawn to polarity-based teachings, consider asking yourself:

1. Why does this teaching feel comforting?
2. Am I avoiding any part of myself or humanity?
3. Does this teaching support growth, healing, and accountability?
4. How can I cultivate spiritual understanding that reduces harm and honors others?

Reflection is not about shame — it’s about curiosity, awareness, and ethical embodiment.

Closing Thoughts

Spirituality is a path of healing, embodiment, and conscious choice. True awakening is not about categorizing souls as “light” or “dark,” but about learning to integrate our humanity and divinity, act ethically, and honor our inner guidance.

For more trauma-informed insights into spirituality and practical tools for embodied healing, explore my book:
The Divine Within: Healing Ourselves to Heal the World

Or visit my website for courses, newsletters, and reflections on conscious living:
www.blossomingheartwellness.com

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