Tag: Choice

The Root of Choice

True Free Will and the Causal Realm

Most speak of choice as if it lives at the surface, where preference, fear, habit, and desire jostle for control. But what if true free will does not arise there at all? What if it exists at the root, before thought forms into options, before “I want” emerges to justify itself?

This root is the causal realm: the source of all motion, where intention is not split from manifestation. It is not personal will in the usual sense—no ego negotiating with life to get what it wants. Instead, it is pure causality aware of itself, setting everything in motion without conflict or division.

At the surface, people speak of freedom as the power to choose between alternatives. Yet these alternatives are already conditioned. They are branches of a tree whose root has already determined their growth. To speak of freedom at the stem while ignoring the root is to mistake effect for cause.

However, the paradox reveals itself when one sees no real division between root and stem. The freedom to choose at the surface becomes genuine only when it is recognized as the expression of the root itself. Every choice becomes the revelation of causality. There is no separate chooser apart from the choosing.

This is what lies beyond the ego’s belief in control. The ego claims “I choose” without realizing that its very claim is already part of the causality it denies. True free will is not the assertion of control over life but the recognition that you are life itself choosing, moving, unfolding.

To see this is to dissolve the illusion of separation. Responsibility is no longer a burden but realization: the root chooses through you, as you. There is no conflict left. Choice becomes transparent, ego falls away, and causality shines unbroken.

This is freedom—not as license, not as negotiation, but as total alignment with the source of all that arises.

Morgan O. Smith

Get Your Free Copy of My Book, Bodhi in the Brain!

https://subscribepage.io/oTSZQu

A Choice is a Response to a Choice Already Made

In the intricate dance of existence, each choice we make is not an isolated event but a response to a multitude of preceding choices, both conscious and unconscious. This realization invites us to explore the profound interconnectedness that defines our lives and shapes our destinies.

Consider the idea that our choices are echoes of prior decisions, reverberating through the corridors of time. Every action we take is influenced by the context created by our previous actions, the environment we inhabit, and the subconscious patterns we have developed over time. This continuum of choices forms a dynamic interplay where each moment is both a consequence and a cause, a delicate balance of cause and effect.

In the realm of nonduality, where distinctions between the self and the other dissolve, we begin to see that our decisions are not merely personal but are also part of a larger, cosmic unfolding. The individual choice merges with the collective will, and the personal narrative intertwines with the universal story. This perspective encourages us to approach decision-making with a sense of humility and responsibility, recognizing the ripple effects of our actions across the fabric of existence.

Moreover, understanding that a choice is a response to a choice already made invites us to examine the underlying motivations and beliefs that drive our decisions. Are we acting out of fear or love? Are we perpetuating old patterns, or are we consciously creating new ones? This introspective inquiry can lead to greater self-awareness and a deeper alignment with our true selves.

The concept of interconnected choices also highlights the importance of mindfulness in our daily lives. By bringing conscious awareness to our decisions, we can break free from automatic responses and create space for intentional action. This practice of mindfulness allows us to see the interconnected web of choices and to navigate it with greater clarity and purpose.

In essence, each choice we make is a dialogue with our past and a co-creation of our future. It is a testament to the interconnectedness of all things, a reflection of the continuous flow of life. As we become more attuned to this flow, we can embrace the wisdom that emerges from understanding the intricate interplay of choices and the profound unity that underlies our existence.

Morgan O. Smith

Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Choice as Cosmic Manifestation

In a world often bound by the chains of determinism, where every event is seen as a mere consequence of a prior one, the concept of choice emerges as a beacon of freedom, a testament to the transcendental nature of human consciousness. This perspective offers a radical, yet profound alternative: choices are not just personal expressions or random occurrences; they are, in essence, expressions of the universe itself.

The fabric of our universe is intricately woven with the threads of time, space, and matter. Yet, within this complex tapestry lies a deeper truth, one that transcends the apparent duality of cause and effect. In this view, every choice we make is not simply a product of past influences or future aspirations; it is an immediate and direct expression of the universe’s ever-unfolding narrative.


This notion brings us to the concept of the ‘eternal now.’ Unlike the linear progression of time as we perceive it, the eternal now posits a realm where past, present, and future coalesce into a singular, timeless existence. In this realm, every choice is an act of creation, a moment where the universe expresses itself through our consciousness. It is in these moments that we are not merely individuals making isolated decisions; we are the universe experiencing itself, exploring its infinite possibilities.

The implications of this perspective are both liberating and daunting. It suggests that our choices are far more significant than personal preferences or responses to external stimuli. They are cosmic in scale, contributing to the grand narrative of existence itself. It invites us to view our decisions not just as personal crossroads but as contributions to the ongoing creation of reality.


In conclusion, viewing choice as a cosmic manifestation offers a new dimension to our understanding of free will and determinism. It proposes that our choices are neither predestined nor random, but are integral parts of the universe’s continuous journey through time and existence. It’s an invitation to embrace the profound interconnectedness of all things and to recognize our role as the creator itself in the magnificent tapestry of life.

Morgan O. Smith

Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Cosmic Symphony

Embracing the Process

In the grand tapestry of the universe, every thread is intricately woven to craft a masterpiece. The ebb and flow of life, its joys and sorrows, its peaks and troughs, are all deliberate strokes of an artist’s brush. We, as participants in this cosmic dance, often wonder if things are truly happening as they should. And if we were to delve deeper into the nature of existence, we might find that everything indeed is unfolding just as it was meant to.

Have you ever caught yourself amidst a moment of contemplation, thinking about the choices you’ve made or the path you’ve walked? What if every decision, every hesitation, every triumphant leap was not just a product of your will but was predestined to occur? This thought might be overwhelming, but it offers a comforting embrace. It suggests that there’s a meticulous design in the seeming chaos around us.

At the heart of this realization lies the concept that you are both the cause and the effect. Imagine a pond – you are the pebble that causes the ripple, and simultaneously, you are the waves that radiate outward. Your actions, thoughts, and emotions all have consequences that shape the universe, just as the universe, in turn, shapes you.

Now, some might question, “What of free will? Do we not possess the agency to shape our destiny?” This is where the paradox of existence comes into play. Our free will is an essential part of the universe’s design. It’s not an either-or situation; it’s a harmonious blend of fate and choice. Our choices, even when they seem entirely spontaneous or defiant, are the universe expressing itself. And that expression, in its entirety, is perfection.

But what if we doubt? What if we find it hard to trust this process? Well, even that skepticism is a part of the plan. It’s through questioning that we often find clarity. Through doubt, we often find faith. And through resistance, we often find our true path.

In the vastness of the cosmos, it’s easy to feel small, to feel like our existence is but a fleeting moment. Yet, when we embrace the idea that every moment, every emotion, every challenge, and triumph is as it should be, we recognize our infinite significance. We become co-authors of the universe’s story, and we begin to trust not just the process but ourselves within it.

So the next time you find yourself in contemplation, remember: that everything is happening perfectly. You are both the artist and the canvas, the song and the singer, the cause and the effect. Embrace your role in the cosmic dance and know that every step, misstep, twirl, or pause is a note in the symphony of existence.

Morgan O. Smith

Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Ascending the Ladder of Wholeness

From Kindergarten Mindsets to Doctorate Souls

Introduction:

In our ever-evolving world, parallels exist between education and Integral Theory’s psychological development stages. Imagine the journey from kindergarten to earning a Ph.D. as analogous to ascending through the levels of consciousness from archaic to super-Integral.

The Foundation: Kindergarten and Archaic Stage

At the base of both ladders lie the kindergarten and the archaic stage. Kindergarteners are mainly self-focused, akin to the archaic level, where consciousness is limited and centred around basic survival – analogous to an egocentric worldview.

Progressing Through the Grades: Ego to Ethnocentric

As children progress through grade school, they learn about broader communities and cultures. This reflects the movement from an egocentric stage to an ethnocentric stage. There’s an expanding awareness and inclusion of one’s tribe or group.

High School Milestone: Achieving Conformist-Pluralist Mindset

High school is a pivotal point. It’s analogous to the transition between 1st and 2nd tier levels of consciousness, where individuals start recognizing multiple perspectives. However, like some stopping their education after high school, not everyone crosses into higher levels of consciousness.

Post-Secondary Education: Reaching World-Centric

Entering college or university symbolizes reaching the world-centric level. Students are exposed to global issues and diverse viewpoints. Likewise, individuals at the world-centric stage care for all people regardless of their background.

The Doctorate of the Soul: Super-Integral and Kosmocentric

Attaining a PhD represents years of dedication and specialized knowledge. In Integral Theory, this is like reaching the super-Integral, 3rd tier level, where consciousness transcends to a Kosmocentric viewpoint. It’s the epitome of understanding and embracing the interconnectedness of all life.

Effort and Choice:

Just as continuing education past high school requires effort, progressing through levels of consciousness isn’t automatic. It requires introspection, learning, and personal growth. Individuals must choose to pursue higher states of being.

Conclusion:

Understanding Integral Theory through the lens of education offers a relatable roadmap for psychological development. Just as the pursuit of a PhD requires effort and dedication, advancing through stages of consciousness demands intentional personal growth.

Morgan O. Smith

Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith