Tag: Humility

The Shadow of the Light

Spiritual maturity does not erase limitation.
It reveals it.

Many imagine awakening as a flawless state; permanent clarity, endless compassion, immunity to human contradiction. A polished saint who never stumbles. A mind without friction. A heart without ache.

Life has never worked that way.

Every illumination throws contrast. Every realization exposes what still sleeps. Awareness grows, and so does sensitivity to the places where conditioning remains. What once went unnoticed now becomes obvious.

Light does not cancel shadow.
Light makes shadow visible.

A person may taste boundless consciousness and still forget their keys.
May speak wisdom and still feel grief.
May rest as pure Being and still get irritated in traffic.

None of this contradicts awakening.

It confirms embodiment.

Human form carries edges. Biology, memory, culture, temperament, nervous system patterns—these do not dissolve simply because truth is recognized. Realization clarifies the sky; weather still moves through it.

Expecting perfection from enlightenment is another form of ego fantasy. A subtler one, dressed in spiritual language.

“Once I awaken, I will finally be beyond everything.”

Beyond what?

Beyond hunger?
Beyond fatigue?
Beyond old emotional reflexes surfacing now and then?

Even sages live inside gravity.

Consider the paradox: greater clarity often deepens humility. Seeing through the illusion of separateness does not produce superiority; it softens certainty. One recognizes how much of this life unfolds through forces far larger than personal will.

Brilliance and blind spots coexist.

The brighter the lamp, the sharper the outline behind it.

Shadow is not failure. Shadow is information.

Each reaction, each contraction, each moment of confusion points to another place where life invites integration. Nothing needs to be rejected. Everything becomes material for understanding.

Spiritual growth, then, is not a climb toward flawlessness.

It is a widening embrace.

Light without shadow would mean no depth, no dimension, no humanity. A perfectly even brightness reveals nothing. Contrast gives form to experience. Contrast allows learning. Contrast allows compassion.

Seeing your own limits makes you gentle with others.

When you know how easily fear arises in your own body, you stop judging someone else’s. When you recognize your own unfinished places, forgiveness becomes natural rather than moral.

This is maturity: not pretending to be spotless, but standing fully where you are.

Awareness shining. Conditioning still moving. Both allowed.

Nothing to fix. Nothing to hide.

Just this living interplay.

Radiance casting shape.

Human nature doing exactly what it has always done; expressing the infinite through a finite frame.

Morgan O. Smith

AI for Wellness and Spirituality Summit

February 9 & 10, 2026

https://aiforwellnessandspirituality.com/mosm

It’s Not About You, or Me

You may resist hearing it, but nothing here was designed to serve your preferences. Existence doesn’t negotiate with your plans. The ocean doesn’t adjust its tides because you’re having a hard day. Mountains don’t bow to your ambitions. Storms don’t hold back for your convenience.

There is a strange freedom in recognizing that you are not the axis of this world. Your fears, longings, and beliefs are weather patterns blowing through a vast sky. Even your discomfort with this fact is not a problem to be solved—it is part of the very order you imagine resisting.

Ask yourself: When did this story become about you? When did the measure of truth narrow to fit your tastes? The self who wants life to behave is so small it forgets it is born of the very forces it wants to command. You and I are not exceptions to the flow. We are the flow.

Even the frustration that arises when someone says “everything happens as it should” is folded within the shape of things. It isn’t an error. It’s another ripple on the water, another branch growing from the same root.

There is no special exemption that spares you from the dance of impermanence. Life moves through every form—including your insistence that it ought to be different. Even that protest is part of the design.

So let go of the idea that it’s about you, or about me. Something far more mysterious is moving all of this, and we are its fleeting expressions—here for a moment, dissolving back into the whole.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://subscribepage.io/oTSZQu

The Mosaic of Interpretations

Navigating the Perception of Ultimate Truth

In the vast landscape of human consciousness, the concept of Ultimate Truth stands as an immutable beacon, untouched by time and the flux of subjective experience. It is not the Truth itself that intrigues me, but rather the myriad ways in which individuals interpret and express it. This divergence in interpretation is where the true beauty and complexity of human experience lie.

The pursuit of Ultimate Truth is a journey that transcends the boundaries of culture, religion, and philosophy. It calls upon us to look beyond the surface of our conditioned beliefs and to delve into the depths of our consciousness. However, this journey is often clouded by personal biases, societal influences, and the limitations of language. Each individual’s interpretation of Truth becomes a reflection of their inner landscape, shaped by their unique experiences, perceptions, and spiritual inclinations.

In questioning these interpretations, we are not seeking to undermine the sincerity of one’s spiritual journey. Rather, we are engaging in a deeper exploration of the nuances that colour our understanding of reality. It is an invitation to recognize that our interpretations, no matter how profound, are still filtered through the lens of our perception. They are, in essence, a part of the grand mosaic of human consciousness, where each piece offers a distinct yet incomplete glimpse of the Whole.

This exploration invites a profound humility and openness. It encourages us to listen to the diverse voices that speak of Truth, not as competing claims, but as different facets of a shared journey toward understanding. By embracing this diversity, we move closer to an authentic dialogue that transcends dogma and opens the door to a more inclusive and compassionate worldview.

Moreover, this inquiry into the interpretations of Truth can lead us to a deeper appreciation of the paradoxical nature of existence. As we peel back the layers of our conditioned beliefs, we find that the Ultimate Truth is not something to be grasped or owned, but rather experienced as a living, dynamic presence that defies conventional categorization. It is in this space of not knowing, of embracing the mystery, that we find the most profound revelations.


In conclusion, the questioning of interpretations is not an act of skepticism, but of reverence for the ineffable nature of Ultimate Truth. It is a reminder that the journey is ongoing and that each step along the path is a vital part of the unfolding process. By engaging in this exploration, we honour the richness of the human experience and the boundless potential for growth and transformation that lies within us all.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Beauty Within the Flaws of Enlightened Beings

In a world striving for perfection, it’s easy to overlook the profound beauty that resides in imperfection, especially among those we deem as enlightened beings. These individuals, often placed on pedestals, are expected to embody an ideal state of existence, free from the common foibles and faults that characterize the human condition. However, it is precisely within their flaws and vulnerabilities that a deeper, more relatable beauty emerges, one that resonates with the core of our shared humanity.

The journey of an enlightened being is not marked by an absence of flaw or error but is instead enriched by these very elements. Their path to enlightenment doesn’t eradicate their human quirks and shortcomings; rather, it illuminates them in a way that is both humbling and empowering. It reminds us that enlightenment is not about reaching a state of perfection, but about embracing and transcending our imperfections.


In recognizing and accepting the flaws of enlightened beings, we are given a gift: the permission to be imperfect ourselves. This perspective fosters a sense of compassion and empathy, both for ourselves and for others. It allows us to see that our flaws are not obstacles to our growth but are integral parts of our unique journey toward enlightenment.

Furthermore, the flaws of enlightened beings serve as powerful teaching tools. They demonstrate that mistakes and missteps are not only inevitable but also invaluable in our quest for understanding and growth. Each flaw, each error, becomes a lesson in humility, patience, and perseverance.


In conclusion, the true beauty of enlightened beings lies not in their flawlessness, but in their ability to embrace and transcend their imperfections. This perspective invites us all to rethink our understanding of enlightenment and to recognize the beauty and wisdom that can be found in our flaws and vulnerabilities.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Imperfection of Spiritual Gurus

Embracing Humanity in the Pursuit of Enlightenment

In the realm of spiritual enlightenment, the figure of the guru often looms large – a beacon of wisdom, a guide towards self-realization. Yet, amidst the reverence and idealization, a fundamental truth often remains unacknowledged: no spiritual guru is perfect. This paradox lies at the heart of a deeper understanding of spiritual growth, where perfection is not a destination, but a journey of constant evolution and self-awareness.

The Dual Nature of the Guru

The guru, in their essence, embodies a unique dualism. On one hand, they are perceived as having attained a state of union with the Self – a transcendental consciousness that surpasses ordinary human experience. This aspect of the guru resonates with a realm beyond the physical, where notions of perfection are redefined in the context of spiritual wholeness.

Conversely, the psychological aspect of the guru is firmly anchored in the human experience. It is a constant reminder that they, too, are subject to the trials and tribulations of the human condition. The guru’s journey is not marked by an escape from humanity but by a deeper immersion into it, embracing its imperfections as part of the broader tapestry of existence.


Perfection is a Process, Not a State

The pursuit of perfection, especially in the spiritual context, is often misconstrued as the attainment of a flawless state. However, this pursuit is more accurately seen as a process – a continual striving for betterment and understanding. The guru, aware of their imperfections, does not seek to eliminate them but to understand and integrate them into their larger spiritual narrative.

This approach demystifies the journey towards enlightenment. It is not about transcending humanity but embracing it in its entirety – with its flaws, contradictions, and challenges. The psychological striving of the guru serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual growth is not about reaching a plateau of perfection but about engaging in an ongoing dialogue with both the self and the universe.

The Metaphor of the Guru

There is something I occasionally mention in my teachings. The saying is that if you hang out with the guru long enough, eventually, the guru will fart. This metaphor, as humorous as it is, holds profound philosophical significance. It symbolizes the inescapable humanity of the spiritual teacher – a reminder that they, too, are bound by the natural laws of existence.

This metaphor serves as a levelling force, bridging the gap between the guru and the seeker. It’s a reminder that spiritual leaders are not infallible deities but fellow travellers on the path of enlightenment. Their wisdom does not stem from their distance from humanity but from their deep engagement with it, warts and all.


Conclusion

In embracing the imperfection of spiritual gurus, we are invited to a more authentic engagement with spirituality. It’s an understanding that enlightenment is not about the erasure of flaws but the acceptance and integration of them into our journey. This perspective fosters a more compassionate and realistic approach to spiritual growth, one that acknowledges the beauty in imperfection and the humanity in the divine.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Convergence of Nonduality and Humility

Walking the Cosmic Mile

When we speak of enlightenment and spiritual awakening, images of radiant beings, wise sages, and ethereal experiences come to mind. Yet, at the heart of these lofty ideals lies a profound simplicity: the understanding that we are all interconnected, and the ability to empathize deeply with every being we encounter.

Consider the enlightened being who, in a flash of realization, experiences the nondual nature of existence. In this state, the boundaries that separate ‘self’ from ‘other’ dissolve. There isn’t just a connection with all there is; there is the profound realization that one *is* everything. Every tree, every star, every laughing child, and every tear shed in solitude — all of it converges into this singular experience. One is no longer an individual peering out at the universe, but the universe itself looking in every conceivable direction.

Yet, juxtapose this with the experience of the humble Saint who, rather than merging with the universe, takes a deep dive into the souls of individuals. This Saint, in their profound spiritual journey, has walked in the shoes of every person they’ve met. They’ve felt the weight of their struggles, the joys of their triumphs, and the mundane moments in between. While the enlightened being sees the forest, the Saint sees every individual tree, every leaf, and every bird that takes flight from its branches.

While these two experiences may seem opposed, they are, in essence, two sides of the same coin. Both perspectives bring about a profound understanding of interconnectedness and unity. Where the enlightened being grasps the vastness of existence, the Saint recognizes the depth of individual experience. And in their unique ways, both lead to compassion, love, and a deeper connection with all of existence.

Perhaps, then, the journey is not about aspiring to one experience over the other, but in recognizing the value in both. For in the vastness of the universe, there is room for both the cosmic dance of everything and the intimate waltz of individual souls.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Dance of Success and Failure

A Collective Endeavor

Every fleeting moment, every whispered word, and every silent gesture contributes to the grand tapestry of life. A tapestry that is continuously woven with threads of success and failure. This tapestry does not exist in isolation; it is shaped by everyone and everything, and in turn, shapes us all.

Imagine, if you will, a stone being thrown into a still pond. The stone may sink to the bottom, never to be seen again, but the ripples it creates travel outward, touching every inch of the pond’s surface. Similarly, the actions of a single individual, no matter how minor, create ripples in the vast ocean of existence. These ripples intertwine and intersect with the ripples from other stones, forming a complex pattern.

In our quest to understand our triumphs and defeats, we often neglect the multitude of external factors that influence these outcomes. Every success story is not just the culmination of one’s hard work and determination. It is a harmonious combination of countless influences, be they from family, friends, acquaintances, or even strangers. A supportive word here, critical feedback there; every interaction adds a stitch to our journey.

Conversely, our failures, too, are not borne in isolation. The adversity we face is seldom the result of our actions alone. It is a collective outcome shaped by myriad factors, some within our control and others beyond it.

Recognizing this interconnected nature of success and failure fosters a sense of humility. It reminds us that we are but a small part of a vast universe, and yet, we have the potential to impact it profoundly. It encourages us to be compassionate, understanding that everyone around us is facing their battles, contributing in their unique way to the universal dance of success and failure.

To appreciate the beauty of this dance, we must broaden our perspective. Let us celebrate not just our achievements, but also the contributions of all those who have touched our lives. Let us remember that in the face of failure, we are not alone; we are part of a collective experience that enriches our understanding of the world.

In the end, the dance of success and failure is a reminder of our shared humanity. It teaches us to embrace both triumphs and defeats with grace, knowing that they are but fleeting moments in the grand tapestry of existence.

 Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Weight of the World and the Path to Spiritual Awakening

In the vast expanse of our human journey, there are moments of profound weight, where one feels as if they are carrying the burdens of the entire world upon fragile shoulders. This weight, often elusive and ineffable, is the manifestation of our ego, the culmination of our personal experiences intertwined with the collective unconscious of humanity.

Such weight can be overwhelming, sometimes akin to bearing witness to all of the human pain, suffering, and dark episodes of our shared history. Yet, it is said that we are never burdened with more than we can bear. This assertion, though challenging to grasp especially in our moments of despair, points towards a greater purpose – the evolution of the soul.

Those who endure and navigate through this weight, emerging on the other side of its crushing force, often find themselves transformed. The ego, once the dominating force, begins to dissolve, making way for a purer, more profound connection with the universe. This metamorphosis leads to humility, replacing pride and arrogance with an understanding that we are but a tiny fragment of the vast cosmos.

With this newfound humility comes a more receptive heart. Love, compassion, and empathy flow effortlessly, as the barriers that once separated us from others crumble. We begin to truly understand the adage, “Walk a mile in another man’s shoes.” This isn’t just about human-to-human connections; it extends to all life forms. We start recognizing the soul in every being, every flutter of a leaf, every chirp of a bird.

The ultimate realization, perhaps, is the true meaning of the age-old teaching, “Love thy neighbour as thyself.” It is not merely a call for kindness but a revelation that at the core, beyond the layers of ego and societal constructs, we are all one. There is no other; there is only us, interconnected and interdependent.

In conclusion, while the weight of the world can seem unbearable at times, it might just be the universe’s way of preparing us for a deeper connection, for a spiritual awakening that allows us to see beyond the superficial and truly embrace all that is.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Embracing the Octopus Within

The Path of the Saint and the Bodhisattva

In the boundless depths of the ocean, a remarkable creature flourishes – the octopus. With its eight arms and three hearts, the octopus presents a fascinating analogy for a life dedicated to compassion and altruism. What if I told you that by embracing the wisdom of the octopus, you could walk the path of a saint or a bodhisattva?

Three Hearts, One Soul

The octopus’s three hearts are not just intriguing biological features; they symbolize a trinity that is central to a life of selflessness – compassion, wisdom, and courage. These three tenets are the lifeblood that sustains the spirit of those who strive to benefit others. Just as the octopus’s hearts pump vitality through its body, these principles energize and direct our moral compass.

Compassion is the first heart. It moves us to alleviate the suffering of others. Wisdom, the second heart, grants the discernment to understand the complexities of life and the interconnectedness of all beings. The third heart, courage, gives us the strength to act upon our compassion and wisdom even in the face of adversity.

Arms That Give

Now, imagine your capabilities and resources as the arms of an octopus. These are the conduits through which the heart’s intent flows into action. With its eight arms, an octopus can achieve an astonishing level of multitasking and adaptability. Likewise, when we apply our varied talents and strengths in the service of others, we, too, can touch many lives. The octopus doesn’t discriminate as to which of its arms is more worthy; similarly, no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.

The Saint and the Bodhisattva: A Singular Journey

To “be like the saint” is to embrace a life of purity, humility, and service. This aligns closely with the path of the bodhisattva in Buddhism, who seeks enlightenment not for personal gain but for the benefit of all sentient beings.

A true saint, like a bodhisattva, doesn’t keep score. The concept of giving without expecting anything in return is deeply rooted in this path. This is not to be confused with self-neglect; rather, it’s the understanding that in the giving, we receive. We receive growth, fulfillment, and connection – treasures that cannot be quantified.

An Octopus’s Embrace

So, let’s learn from our wise friend, the octopus. Let our three hearts be full of compassion, wisdom, and courage. Let our arms be open and giving. And may we swim through the currents of life with grace, as saints or bodhisattvas, serving as guardians and guides for all those navigating the tempestuous oceans of existence.

In embracing the octopus within, we embark on a journey that ripples through the waters of our communities and touches the shores of every heart. In this sacred odyssey, we do not merely live; we become vessels of immeasurable, boundless love.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith