Tag: Inner Journey

The Face of the Observing Self

What does it mean to observe oneself? To truly look inward is to confront the observer and the observed paradox. Self-observation reveals something both unsettling and liberating: the absence of a concrete “self” to observe. Yet, this absence is not a void; it is a vast, dynamic awareness that holds all experience without judgment or attachment.

When the mind turns its gaze inward, it seeks to grasp the essence of identity. Who is the one observing? Is it the body, the thoughts, or the emotions? As the layers of identity dissolve under scrutiny, the “face” of the observing self becomes clear: it has no features, no boundaries, no name. It is an awareness that exists beyond the stories we tell ourselves, beyond the constructs of past and future.

This realization often stirs resistance. The mind, conditioned to identify with roles and narratives, may fight to hold onto the illusion of a solid self. But the observing self invites surrender—not as a defeat but as a return to authenticity. To analyze its face is not to define it but to recognize that it is the source of all definitions, all perceptions, and all experiences.

In this space of pure observation, there is no judgment. Thoughts arise and fall away like waves; emotions flow without resistance. The observer does not interfere, label, or categorize. It is simply present, awake, and unattached. This is where true freedom lies—not in controlling the waves of experience but in abiding by the unmoving awareness beneath them.

The practice of observing oneself is not an escape from life but a profound engagement with it. It is the realization that the one who suffers, the one who desires, and the one who fears is not the ultimate truth of who we are. Beyond these transient identities lies the still, eternal witness, untouched by the flux of existence.

To analyze the face of the observing self is to encounter the formless essence of being. It is a mirror reflecting the infinite, a gateway to profound peace. This realization transforms how we engage with the world, fostering a deep compassion for ourselves and others. For when the illusion of separation falls away, what remains is love—the recognition that the observer and the observed are one.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Dark Nights, Bright Lights 

The term dark night of the soul evokes images of struggle, confusion, and a seeming absence of light. Yet, this darkness can often serve as a powerful portal, guiding one to a level of spiritual illumination unreachable by any other path. Many consider it a crucible of transformation, an intense phase in which the familiar sense of self collapses, leaving one in a space of profound unknowing. Out of this unknowing, however, arises a new clarity that leads directly to the essence of spirit.

For those on a path of genuine self-inquiry, the dark night is not just an existential crisis. It becomes an awakening, a dissolution of our many illusions about ourselves and reality. During this phase, long-held identities, beliefs, and attachments may shatter, making way for something deeper, something undeniably true. It is a process that can feel relentless and unforgiving, yet this same intensity propels one forward into a state of spiritual clarity. Rather than being a punishment or a curse, the dark night reveals itself as a divine refinement—a sacred stripping away.

When every external structure of meaning begins to fall apart, it may seem as if there is nothing left to hold onto. In these moments, one often finds an unexpected stillness within, a quiet space where fear cannot tread. It is as though the soul, having been emptied of its attachments, touches an unbreakable foundation—a place within that has always been free and whole, even amid chaos. This discovery marks a profound turning point. Rather than striving to escape or control life, one begins to see the perfection in surrender. This shift from resistance to acceptance is what ultimately transforms the darkness into light.

The bright light of the spirit does not arrive like a flash of fireworks. It is subtle yet powerful, emerging from the depths of one’s own silence. Through surrendering all that one believed essential, there is a revelation that goes beyond any conceptual understanding. A radiant, unwavering presence reveals itself, a presence that transcends all dualities, including light and dark, self and other. This is the spirit’s essence—pure, unconditioned, and luminous in its quiet embrace.

The journey through the dark night is one of paradox: the descent into darkness becomes the ascent into light. It is a reminder that illumination does not come from seeking the light but from courageously embracing the dark. In this alchemical process, what was once feared becomes the very ground of liberation. The darkness, rather than being an enemy, becomes the beloved teacher. It guides one, not by promises of comfort, but by the unwavering demand for truth, eventually revealing the boundless radiance of spirit within.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Infinite Echo of the Supreme

A Journey Beyond Duality

In the realm of spiritual exploration, the quest for understanding the nature of the Supreme is both ancient and infinitely complex. It beckons us toward a horizon where the distinction between the self and the infinite blurs, inviting a profound realization: the essence of the Supreme is not an external entity to be sought, nor is it a hidden treasure within—rather, it is the very fabric of existence, a boundless presence that pervades everything.

The notion that no Supreme is Being outside of us, nor within, but that all there is, and all there ever will be, is The Supreme, challenges the conventional dualities of inside and outside, sacred and profane, self and other. This perspective ushers us into a realm where these distinctions dissolve, revealing a unity that underlies the multiplicity of forms and phenomena.

In contemplating this unity, we embark on a journey that transcends the intellectual and ventures into the experiential. It is not enough to understand the concept of The Supreme as an abstract principle; one must live, breathe, and experience the omnipresence of this ultimate reality in the minutiae of everyday life. This journey demands a radical shift in perception—a willingness to see beyond the apparent separateness of the world to the underlying oneness that is the essence of The Supreme.


This realization unfolds not as a dramatic epiphany but as a gentle awakening, a gradual unfurling of awareness that illuminates the interconnectedness of all things. In this light, every moment becomes a portal to the divine, every interaction a reflection of The Supreme. The distinction between the seeker and the sought fades, as one comes to recognize oneself as an integral expression of the infinite.

How, then, do we cultivate this awareness? The path is as diverse as the seekers who walk it, yet common threads weave through the fabric of spiritual practices across cultures and traditions. Mindfulness, meditation, and contemplation serve as gateways to transcendence, tools to quiet the mind and attune the heart to the subtleties of the Supreme’s presence. Compassion and selfless service become expressions of the recognition of the divine in all beings.

In embracing this vision of nonduality, we are invited to reconsider our relationship with the world around us. The challenges and tribulations of life are no longer obstacles to be overcome in search of a distant divine, but rather manifestations of The Supreme itself, offering lessons and opportunities for growth. In this realization, the mundane becomes sacred, the ordinary, extraordinary.

As we navigate the complexities of existence, let us hold this understanding close: that we are not separate from the Supreme; we are and everything throughout the universe is the supreme. But from the standpoint of the small self, we are expressions of its infinite creativity and boundless love. In this recognition, we find not only solace but also the profound joy of being in harmony with the ultimate reality.


In the silent spaces between thoughts, in the depth of the night sky, in the eyes of a stranger, there lies an invitation to witness The Supreme in all its manifestations. It is an invitation to dissolve the illusion of separateness and awaken the truth of our inherent unity with the cosmos.

May your journey be filled with the light of this understanding, and may the realization of the omnipresence of The Supreme guide you to the depths of peace and the heights of ecstasy.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Silent Symphony of Spiritual Awakening

In the realm of spiritual evolution, the experience of awakening transcends the boundaries of sensory perception. It is akin to a symphony, a harmonious ensemble that exists beyond the conventional domain of sound. This metaphorical orchestra plays not to our ears but to the essence of our being, orchestrating a transformation that is both subtle and profound.

Imagine a melody that doesn’t vibrate through the air but resonates within the core of your consciousness. It’s a rhythm that aligns with the heartbeat of the universe, a tune that sings of unity and the dissolution of duality. This is the music of spiritual awakening, an inner revelation that whispers the secrets of existence, unheard but deeply felt.

In Eastern philosophy, particularly in concepts like Advaita Vedanta, there is an emphasis on the realization that the self and the universe are one. The melody of awakening, in this context, is the recognition of this oneness. It’s a journey from the illusion of separateness to the truth of unity, a path that leads from isolation to the embrace of all-encompassing existence.


This journey is personal and unique to each individual. For some, it begins with a subtle sense of discomfort, a feeling that there is more to life than what meets the eye. For others, it may be a profound event, a moment of clarity where the veil of illusion lifts, revealing the true nature of reality. Regardless of how it starts, the journey is always inward, a dive deep into the self to discover truths that lie beyond the intellect.

As the melody of awakening plays, it invites us to let go of our preconceived notions and conditioned beliefs. It asks us to surrender to the experience, to allow the music to lead us to places within ourselves that we never knew existed. It’s an invitation to dance in the rhythm of the cosmos, to become one with the infinite dance of creation and destruction.

But this journey is not without its challenges. Like any transformation, spiritual awakening can be disorienting, even unsettling. It asks us to shed layers of our ego, to confront our deepest fears and insecurities. Yet, in this process of unravelling, we find our true essence, a state of being that is beyond the transient nature of our worldly identities.


The melody of spiritual awakening is a call to experience life in its fullest, most authentic form. It’s an invitation to view the world not through the lens of judgment and separation but through the eyes of love and unity. In this state, every moment becomes a profound interaction with the divine, every experience a step closer to enlightenment.

As you embark on or continue this journey, remember that the song of awakening is unique to you. Listen closely, and you will find that it has been playing all along, a silent symphony waiting for you to join in its eternal dance.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Unveiling the Ineffable

Embracing the Eternal Within

In the quest for spiritual understanding, we often grapple with the paradox of the self – a mysterious confluence where the finite meets the infinite. The essence of our being, or what we might refer to as the Source, is an enigma that defies the constraints of language and thought. This Source, ineffably intertwined with our core, is beyond our intellectual grasp; yet, paradoxically, it is the very essence of who we are.

Imagine standing at the edge of an ocean, the vastness stretching beyond the horizon. This ocean is akin to the Source – boundless, profound, and enigmatic. Just as the ocean cannot be contained within a jar, the true nature of our inner selves cannot be encapsulated within the confines of human comprehension. We are, in essence, the very mystery that we seek to unravel.

Yet, this realization is not a cause for despair, but rather an invitation to explore the depths of our being. The Source, which is beyond understanding, is not separate from us. It is not a distant deity or an abstract concept to be chased. It is the very fabric of our existence, the underlying reality of everything we perceive and experience.

The Eternal You, a term that signifies the unchanging, timeless aspect of our being, is a reminder that our true nature transcends the fleeting and the transient. In our daily lives, we are often caught up in the ebb and flow of mundane experiences, losing sight of this eternal dimension. However, when we pause, when we allow silence and stillness to pervade our being, we begin to glimpse the eternal that resides within us.


This glimpse is not an intellectual understanding but a profound experience, a moment of awakening where one realizes that they are not just a drop in the ocean, but the entire ocean in a drop. It’s a realization that the Source, the Eternal You, is not an entity to be sought externally but a reality to be recognized within.

In embracing this truth, we embark on a journey of transformation. This journey is not about acquiring new knowledge or attaining a higher state of consciousness, but rather about shedding the layers of illusion that veil our true nature. It is a process of unlearning, of letting go of the false identities and beliefs that we have clung to, and awakening to the truth of who we are.

The path to this realization is unique for each individual, yet it is united by a common thread – the recognition that we are more than our thoughts, emotions, and physical bodies. We are expressions of something far greater, a reality within us and around us, ever-present and eternal.


In conclusion, the Source, the Eternal You, is a profound mystery that beckons us to look within. It invites us to shed the layers of misconception and embrace the eternal essence that is our true nature. As we journey through this exploration, we find that the answers we seek are not found in the outer world, but in the depths of our being.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Embracing the Void

The Pathway to Spiritual Enlightenment

In the quest for spiritual enlightenment, a profound transformation beckons, one that requires an unyielding surrender of all that defines us. It is a journey beyond the tangible, beyond the confines of labels and identities that we cling to—our gender, nationality, race, ethnicity, and even our deepest desires and beliefs. This path demands an unparalleled relinquishment, a surrender not just to our inner selves but to the vast expanse of the universe and everything within it.

Enlightenment, in its truest essence, is not about acquiring something new or reaching a lofty destination. It’s about a subtle yet powerful realization: the shedding of layers, the unbecoming of what we thought we were. It’s a journey inward, where the cessation of our attachments reveals the luminous core of our existence.


Consider this: our identities, with all their complexities, are but constructs—narratives we’ve woven around our being. In the pursuit of enlightenment, these narratives unravel, revealing the simplicity and purity of our true nature. This process is not about loss; rather, it’s a rediscovery, a return to an unadulterated state of being where peace and understanding flourish.

Surrendering to the universe means accepting the impermanence and fluidity of all things. It’s an acknowledgment that our desires, beliefs, and even our strongest convictions are transient. In this acceptance lies the key to liberation—from the relentless cycle of desire and the illusion of separation.


Imagine a state where there is no ‘I’ or ‘mine,’ no clinging to personal histories or future aspirations. Here, in this boundless openness, lies the essence of nonduality—the profound understanding that we are not separate from the universe but an integral part of it. It’s a realization that the distinctions we make between ourselves and the world are illusory.

In this state of surrender, we become like the vast sky—expansive, serene, and untroubled by the transient clouds of thoughts and emotions. We experience life in its purest form, unfiltered and unobstructed by the narratives of the ego. This is the heart of spiritual enlightenment—a state of being that is in harmony with the universe, where the duality of self and other dissolves into a singular, boundless existence.


As seekers on this path, let us embrace this journey with an open heart and mind. Let us surrender to the flow of life, to the wisdom of the universe, and in doing so, discover the profound peace and understanding that lies within.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Beyond the Veil of Emptiness

Unraveling the Mystique of Nothingness

In the contemplative realms of the philosophies of the East, the concept of ‘Nothingness’ often surfaces as a profound puzzle, a riddle wrapped in mystery. This notion, far from being a mere absence or void, invites us on a journey beyond the ordinary boundaries of thought and understanding.

When I refer to ‘Nothingness,’ I am pointing towards a reality that eludes the grasp of conventional ideas and definitions. It is not simply a negation of ‘something’ nor a space waiting to be filled. This Nothingness is a state of pure potentiality, unbound by the limitations of conceptual thinking. It is the silent backdrop against which the drama of existence unfolds, yet it is not separate from the play itself.

In the rich landscape of nondual understanding, Nothingness is not a destination to be reached or a concept to be understood. It is the very ground of being, the essence that permeates all existence. In the wisdom traditions of the East, this is often likened to the vastness of space – ever-present, all-encompassing, yet intangible and indefinable.


This exploration into Nothingness challenges the mind’s habitual tendency to label and categorize. It invites a surrender, a letting go of the need to understand or explain. Here, in this space of not-knowing, lies the potential for true spiritual awakening. It is in this realm where the mind is quieted that one may glimpse the ineffable truth of oneness.

In the dance of existence, Nothingness and form interplay seamlessly. Understanding this interplay is not an intellectual exercise but an experiential realization. It is a recognition that form arises from and returns to this formless void, like waves rising and falling in the ocean. This realization brings a sense of liberation, a freedom from the constraints of ego-driven perceptions.

Engaging with this concept of Nothingness requires a radical shift in perspective. It is about seeing beyond the apparent dualities of existence and non-existence, form and formlessness. In this understanding, one recognizes that the true nature of reality transcends these dichotomies.


In conclusion, the journey into Nothingness is not a journey outward to some external reality, but an inward voyage to the depths of one’s being. Here, in the heart of silence and stillness, the mystery of existence reveals itself not as a puzzle to be solved, but as a truth to be lived.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Guru’s Wisdom

Beyond Half-Truths to Awakening

In the quest for spiritual enlightenment, the role of a Guru is often viewed as a beacon of absolute truth. Yet, this journey has an enigmatic twist: the teachings a Guru imparted embody only a fraction of the greater truth. This notion may initially seem confounding, but it is a pivotal insight for those deeply immersed in the pursuit of spiritual understanding.

Consider the Guru’s teachings as signposts, guiding you towards a horizon of enlightenment. These teachings are profound, yet they are not the complete journey. They are like the first hues of dawn, hinting at the full radiance of the day yet to unfold. The Guru provides a foundation, a starting point, but the structure of understanding is built by you, the seeker.

The other half of this truth, the part that remains veiled, is found within the silent chambers of your being. These truths reveal themselves in the quiet moments of introspection and the depths of meditation. This personal awakening is a journey that transcends words and teachings; it’s an experiential realm where knowledge transforms into wisdom.


This revelation is akin to a flower slowly unfurling its petals. The Guru’s words are the sunlight and rain, essential for growth, but the blooming, the realization of one’s spiritual essence, is a personal, intimate process. It is in this space of self-discovery where the half-truths merge into a complete understanding.

In this context, the Guru is not a purveyor of ultimate truths but a guide who points you towards your capacity for enlightenment. The journey inward is marked by a shift from seeking external validation to nurturing an internal dialogue with your true self. It is here, in the sanctum of your inner world, where the dichotomy of half-truths and complete truths dissolves into the singular reality of your experience.


As you continue on this path, remember that each insight, each moment of clarity, is a step closer to the awakening that unveils the other half of the truth. This process is not a contradiction of the Guru’s teachings but a continuation, an expansion into the realms of personal experience and self-realization.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Crucible of Transformation

Ego Death and Enlightenment in the Story of Yeshu’a

In the narrative of Yeshu’a, commonly known as Jesus Christ, the events leading up to and including the crucifixion and subsequent resurrection offer profound allegorical insights into the journey toward spiritual awakening and enlightenment. This narrative, when viewed through the lens of spiritual and psychological metamorphosis, echoes the concept of ego death — a foundational experience on the path to profound personal transformation and enlightenment.

The Crucifixion: An Allegory for Ego Death

Ego death represents the dissolution of the self-constructed identity, a moment where the illusion of the ‘I’, with all its attachments and identities, is seen through and transcended. In the story of Yeshu’a, the crucifixion symbolizes this intense moment of surrender. It is a vivid depiction of the relinquishment of personal identity, desires, and the very notion of selfhood, akin to the spiritual surrender required for the dissolution of the ego.

This moment is not about physical demise but rather a metaphorical death, where all that is false must be surrendered and ‘crucified’. The agony in the garden of Gethsemane, where Yeshu’a confronts his impending crucifixion, mirrors the inner turmoil one faces when confronting the ego’s dissolution. It’s a profound surrender to a will greater than one’s own, to a state of being that transcends individual identity.

The Resurrection: Enlightenment and Spiritual Awakening

Following the allegory of ego death, the resurrection emerges as a powerful symbol of enlightenment and spiritual awakening. In the aftermath of the ego’s dissolution, a new consciousness is born — one that is not confined by the limitations and illusions of personal identity. This is the ‘resurrected’ state, where one experiences a profound sense of unity with all existence, an unshakable peace, and an intrinsic understanding of one’s true nature beyond the ego.

The resurrection signifies the ultimate triumph over the limitations of the egoic mind, a rebirth into a state of consciousness where love, compassion, and wisdom prevail. It reflects the awakening to a life lived in profound alignment with the universal truths, embodying the essence of nonduality — where the distinction between self and other, life and death, is recognized as an illusion.

Reflections for the Spiritual Seeker

The narrative of Yeshu’a’s crucifixion and resurrection serves as a rich allegorical framework for understanding the journey toward spiritual enlightenment. It challenges us to confront our egoic constructs, to courageously face the dissolution of our self-imposed identities, and to emerge transformed by the experience of our intrinsic, undivided nature.

As spiritual seekers, this story invites us to reflect on our journey towards self-realization, encouraging us to embrace the crucible of transformation and to emerge, like Yeshu’a, reborn into the light of awareness and unity. It is a reminder that true liberation and enlightenment lie not in the avoidance of suffering or the clinging to identity but in the profound surrender and transcendence of the ego.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Embracing the Ethereal

The Journey Beyond Attachments

In the boundless quest for spiritual awakening, we often encounter the concept of ‘freedom’—a term that resonates deeply within the chambers of the soul. Yet, what is this freedom that spiritual traditions speak of with reverence? It is not the liberty of movement or choice as perceived in our physical world, but rather, an emancipation from the very chains that bind our consciousness: attachments.

Attachments, in their myriad forms, are akin to anchors that tether our spirits to the transient. These may manifest as material possessions, relationships, or even intangible ideologies. Clinging to these creates a false sense of security, an illusionary comfort that veils our perception of the ultimate truth.

The essence of spiritual liberation lies in the realization that our true nature is not confined by these attachments. It’s a journey inward, where one discovers that we are but pure consciousness, unshackled and expansive at the core. This realization is profound, for it illuminates the path to absolute freedom.

This freedom is not a destination but an ongoing process of shedding layers of conditioning. It requires vigilance and introspection, challenging us to look beyond our perceived needs and desires. As we embark on this journey, we begin to experience life in its purest form—unfiltered and unbounded.

The practice of detachment does not imply a life devoid of relationships or possessions. Rather, it encourages a relationship with the external that is not governed by dependency or craving. It teaches us to appreciate and engage with the world without being enslaved by its allure.

As we cultivate a state of non-attachment, we find ourselves more present, and more attuned to the subtleties of life. We experience a profound peace, knowing that our inner sanctum remains untouched by the ebb and flow of external circumstances.

This path to ultimate freedom is not devoid of challenges. It confronts the very foundations upon which we have built our understanding of self and the world. Yet, it is in this confrontation that we find the opportunity for true growth and enlightenment.

In embracing this ethereal freedom, we become witnesses to the dance of existence, participating fully yet not lost in its rhythm. We become like the lotus, rooted in the mud but untouched by the water.


The journey beyond attachments is an invitation to experience life in its unadulterated essence, to witness the unfolding of consciousness in its majestic expanse. It is a call to embrace the ethereal freedom that lies within each of us, waiting to be discovered.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith