Heaven and Brimstone

Seeing Beauty Where None Is Expected

To see burning brimstone as beautiful gems is not a naive optimism but a profound reorientation of perception. The alchemy of consciousness transforms what is often labelled as suffering or undesirable into something sacred, even divine. The journey to this realization does not lie in escaping difficulties but fully meeting them, unguarded and undefended.

Most spend their lives seeking an idealized heaven, a utopia where pain, conflict, and discomfort are absent. Yet, what if the true heaven is not a destination but a shift in how reality is experienced? What if heaven emerges not when circumstances change, but when the mind stops resisting the circumstances it once fled?

Burning brimstone evokes images of torment, the archetypal inferno of spiritual suffering. Yet, fire has always been dual. It consumes, but it also purifies. It destroys, yet it forges. The very flames that sear can illuminate. To see gems within the fire is to recognize the transformative power hidden in every difficulty, every discomfort, every perceived flaw.

This is the paradox of awakening: the world remains the same, yet nothing is the same. The raw intensity of existence, with all its chaos and unpredictability, becomes a source of wonder. Heaven, then, is not an escape but an embrace. It is not found elsewhere but revealed here, in the present, when we are willing to see clearly.

How Do We Begin?

Drop the Narrative: Pain and suffering often intensify because of the stories we weave around them. Without the narrative, fire is just fire. Burnt bridges are just opportunities for new paths. The mind’s interpretation makes them unbearable.

Engage Curiosity: Rather than judging experiences, approach them with curiosity. What is this discomfort teaching? What lies beneath the surface? Gems rarely rest in plain sight; they are unearthed through inquiry.

Surrender Control: Heaven is realized not by controlling life but by allowing life to be what it is. This surrender is not weakness; it is the strength to flow with life rather than against it.

Through these practices, what once seemed like burning brimstone—the unbearable weight of human suffering—may transform into beautiful gems. This is not a denial of the challenges but a recognition that all of existence, even the painful parts, is imbued with beauty and meaning when approached with the eyes of wisdom.

The question is not whether heaven exists but whether you are willing to see it, even amid flames.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

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

The Mirror of Compassion

Seeing Beyond the Self

In a world often driven by divisions and distinctions, the essence of seeing others through a lens of love is a profound step towards transcending the superficial boundaries that separate us. This insightful dialogue between host Steve James and me in this episode “Bodhi in the Brain” on Guru Viking, unveils a perspective that challenges the conventional paradigms of self and other.

The narrative unfolds a journey towards seeing others not as separate entities, but as reflections of our being. It’s a call to embrace a higher perspective, where love becomes the lens through which we perceive the world around us. This perspective is not about blurring the lines but about seeing the inherent unity that binds us all.

As this dialogue delves deeper, the notion of seeing others as we see our children emerges as a metaphor for boundless compassion and unconditional love. It’s about nurturing the seeds of empathy and understanding, allowing us to transcend the habitual tendencies of judgment and separation. This is not merely a philosophical idea, but a transformative practice that has the potential to reshape our interactions and relationships.

The profound statement, “Love thy neighbour as thyself,” is revisited with a fresh understanding. It’s not just a moral injunction but a pointer towards a state of consciousness where self and other are recognized as manifestations of the same divine essence. It’s about realizing that the same life force that animates our being also flows through every other individual, thus creating a bridge of compassion and understanding that transcends the apparent differences.

The journey towards seeing others as we see ourselves is a voyage into the heart of compassion. It’s about dismantling the walls of ego that keep us entrapped in a cycle of separation and conflict. It’s about cultivating a heart that sees not with the eyes of judgment, but with the eyes of love and understanding.

This perspective invites us to reflect on the quality of our interactions and the lens through which we perceive others. It’s a call to step into a space of openness, where love becomes the guiding light illuminating the path towards a more harmonious and compassionate world.

This conversation in “Bodhi in the Brain” is a dialogue with humanity, urging us to awaken to the boundless potential of love and compassion that resides within us. It’s a reminder that in the mirror of compassion, we see not just the reflection of others, but the reflection of our true self, united in the dance of existence.

As we embark on this journey of seeing others through a lens of love, we are not just transforming our perception; we are contributing to a collective shift towards a more compassionate and unified world.

Morgan O.  Smith

Watch Bodhi in the Brain, and previous episodes below:

Ep 220: Bodhi in the Brain

Welcome to Episode 220 of our enlightening series, where today we delve into a profound narrative titled “Bodhi in the Brain.” In this episode, we are joined by a spiritual seeker who shares his riveting journey towards higher consciousness. Through a blend of ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience, we explore the realms of mind and spirit, unveiling a path that bridges the tangible with the transcendental. Tune in as we navigate the intricate dance of existence, and uncover the serene space where the mind meets the infinite.


Ep 176: The Awakening of Mista Mo

Embark on a captivating expedition in Episode 176, “The Awakening of Mista Mo.” Today, we unravel the transformative journey of Mista Mo, a soul who found enlightenment in the most unexpected corners of life. His tale is one of resilience, discovery, and awakening to a higher calling amidst the cacophony of worldly chaos. As we traverse through his life’s chapters, we uncover pearls of wisdom that beckon a deeper understanding of self and the universe. Join us in this stirring narrative that echoes the eternal quest for inner peace and enlightenment.


Ep 195: Enlightened Comedian

Laughter is often said to be a divine gift, but can it also be a gateway to a deeper understanding of our existence? In Episode 195, titled “Enlightened Comedian,” we explore the whimsical yet profound journey of a comedian whose quest for laughter led him to the shores of enlightenment. Through a tapestry of humour, insight, and spiritual awakening, we delve into the heart of a narrative that celebrates the confluence of comedy and consciousness. Tune in to this heartwarming episode as we unravel the laughter-laden path to self-realization and the profound wisdom that accompanies it.


🔗 For those yearning for a transformative meditative experience or eager to delve into the philosophical depth of “Bodhi in the Brain”, the gateway awaits https://linktr.ee/morganosmith A friendly reminder for seekers everywhere: Guru Viking continues to unfurl wisdom every Friday on YouTube. Enrich your spiritual palette on Apple, SoundCloud, and Spotify as well. https://www.guruviking.com/

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith