Tag: Inner Transformation

How Meditation Affects the Subtle Bodies

We continue our Bodhi in the Brain Virtual Group Meditation via Zoom/YouTube, this evening, 8–10pm.

(Headphones or Earbuds Required)
Meeting ID: 859 0097 8411
Passcode: 676036

How Meditation Affects the Subtle Bodies

Modern science studies the brain’s waves, yet ancient wisdom charts the frequencies of being itself. Meditation doesn’t just calm the nervous system, it reorganizes the architecture of existence that extends beyond the skin. The physical body is the outermost layer of a far more intricate continuum, a series of subtle fields known as the etheric, emotional, mental, causal, and ultimately the nondual body. Each meditation deepens the conversation between these dimensions, aligning them into coherent resonance.

The first transformations begin within the etheric field; the energetic counterpart of the physical form. Breath slows, the heartbeat steadies, and prana, or life-force, begins to flow more evenly. This harmony clears stagnation and revitalizes the channels through which energy circulates. As vitality expands, the emotional body awakens. Old patterns surface to be felt and released. Meditation becomes the silent therapist, allowing the residue of unprocessed emotion to dissolve without resistance. The emotional body’s purification is not about suppression but integration; the merging of past experience with present awareness.

As meditation matures, the mental body is refined. Thought loses its compulsive gravity. The gap between thoughts widens, and awareness begins to see the structures of perception themselves. Beliefs, identifications, and judgments reveal their impermanence. A clarity dawns that no longer seeks to control reality but to understand its nature. This clarity is not cold detachment; it is spacious intimacy.

When these bodies are harmonized, the causal body, often associated with the witnessing consciousness, becomes luminous. Meditation pulls back the veils until only pure presence remains. Every subtle sheath becomes transparent to the light of awareness, allowing consciousness to know itself directly. This recognition transforms the very experience of being alive. The universe no longer feels external; it vibrates as one’s own inner current.

Understanding this process matters because human suffering is not merely psychological; it’s energetic. Distortion in one layer ripples through the rest. A clear mind cannot inhabit a body holding unresolved pain, and a peaceful heart cannot flourish in a field clouded by mental noise. Meditation realigns the total system, restoring coherence between all layers of being.

When the subtle bodies function as a single continuum, existence ceases to feel fragmented. The physical world, emotions, and thought merge as one stream of intelligent energy. Meditation reveals this unity not as belief but as direct knowing; the living pulse of reality experienced through every cell and every silence between heartbeats.

Morgan O. Smith

Executive Director

Bodhi Mental Care & Wellness

Did I Have a Spiritual Awakening?

If the question lingers, “Did I have a spiritual awakening?” it often points to a deeper truth: perhaps it has not yet happened. Those who have passed through the unmistakable shift into awakened awareness do not wrestle with that doubt. There is a quiet certainty, not born of belief, but of direct experience.

Language can vary. Some may never utter the phrase spiritual awakening or enlightenment. They may frame it through their own culture, symbolism, or personal metaphors. Yet no matter the vocabulary, the essence remains beyond question.

When the event has truly unfolded, it is like rising from sleep. You do not analyze whether you are awake; you simply are. The recognition is immediate, complete, and irreversible. What remains is the unfolding of life through the clarity of that seeing.

Awakening is not a theory to adopt or an idea to flirt with. It is the dismantling of the imagined self, the collapse of boundaries, and the revelation of a reality that was always here, quietly waiting to be noticed.

Morgan O. Smith

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The Child and the Keeper of Walls

Awakening Beyond Belief

Many have longed to grasp the mystery of existence, to touch the essence of something vast, limitless, and wholly beyond the conditioned intellect. Some wander outward, chasing knowledge across lifetimes, while others, weary of the chase, turn inward and dissolve into the revelation that the answer was never elsewhere.

There is a being who awakens, eyes once sealed now open, untethered from the weight of what was once mistaken for reality. This one recognizes that what they sought as God was never separate from themselves. Not a distant deity reigning above, nor a dogmatic construct built to cage the mind, but a living essence radiating through all things. They once believed this ideal self was an unreachable mirage, an aspiration always slipping beyond the grasp of physicality. But upon awakening, they no longer chase it—they become it.

What is this awakening? It is nothing more and nothing less than remembering how to imagine with the boundless wonder of a child. And not imagination as the mind toys with, but an intelligence so refined that it gives birth to worlds, perceives the invisible, and dances in the paradox of what is and what is not. The one who awakens does not strive to merge with God, for they see that this very merging is the illusion. There was never a separation to begin with.

Yet, alongside them walks another—one who clings tightly to a framework set in place long before their arrival. They follow the lines drawn by those who feared their depths, mistaking doctrine for truth and control for salvation. Their mind, fortified with walls of certainty, rejects the fluidity of growth. Anything that threatens their inherited beliefs is cast aside as danger, as corruption, as false prophecy.

The awakened one embraces their shadows, understanding that transformation does not come by denying the full range of human experience but by walking through the fire of it, unafraid to be burned. Shame is not an enemy to be conquered, nor is desire a force to be chained. They do not rush to crucify what it means to be fully human. Instead, they enter the chaos willingly, knowing that only by standing at the center of their own storm can they emerge as the calm itself.

Something miraculous happens in that surrender. The one who awakens watches their unfolding with wonder, like an artist witnessing a masterpiece take form in real time. Each step is both the path and the arrival, a self-created adventure where the destination remains unimportant. The act of movement itself—the curiosity, the play, the willingness to jump without knowing where they will land—is the divine act. The shimmering glow of their being is not a thing to be achieved but something they always were, now recognized at last.

Meanwhile, the fundamentalist stands still, mistaking their immobility for stability. Their beliefs, rigid and unyielding, have encased them in a fortress. To them, water is dangerous—too unpredictable, too wild. The awakened one drinks deeply from this same stream, intoxicated by its endlessness, while the fundamentalist sees it as a force of destruction, something to be feared and avoided at all costs.

Yet, both are children of the same source, actors within the same unfolding story. Neither is greater than the other, for both play their roles in the grand theater of existence. But only one of them has chosen to create the map of their becoming. Only one has dared to build a bridge where others have built walls.

So, the question arises: who would you rather be? The keeper of walls, or the architect of the infinite?

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Don’t Mistake Spiritual Persona for Spiritual Attainment

In the quest for spiritual enlightenment, it is easy to fall into the trap of equating outward appearances with inner transformation. The spiritual marketplace is brimming with individuals adorned in the symbols of enlightenment—beads, robes, and serene smiles. But beneath these carefully cultivated images, what lies? Are these symbols true reflections of deep spiritual attainment, or merely the trappings of a spiritual persona?

The essence of genuine spiritual attainment transcends outward appearances. It is an internal metamorphosis that reconfigures one’s very being. True spiritual growth dismantles the ego, dissolves the illusion of separation, and fosters a profound sense of unity with all existence. This journey is deeply personal and often invisible to the outside world. It is marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to truth.

A spiritual persona, on the other hand, can be a carefully constructed mask. It seeks validation from the external world by adopting symbols and behaviours associated with spirituality. This persona can be seductive, as it offers the semblance of wisdom and enlightenment without necessitating the arduous inner work required for genuine transformation. It may garner admiration and respect, but it does not hold the essence of true spiritual attainment.

To discern the difference, one must look beyond appearances. True spiritual attainment manifests in actions, choices, and the quality of one’s presence. It is reflected in the ability to remain centred in the face of life’s challenges, to act with compassion even in difficult circumstances, and to embrace the inherent uncertainty of existence with equanimity.

It is a state of being that radiates from within, often silently, without needing external validation or recognition. It is characterized by a deep sense of peace, a boundless capacity for love, and an unwavering connection to the present moment.

The path to spiritual attainment requires courage—the courage to face one’s deepest fears, to dismantle long-held beliefs, and to surrender the ego’s need for control and validation. It demands an authentic engagement with the present moment, a willingness to embrace discomfort, and a commitment to the inner journey, no matter how solitary or challenging.

As you navigate your spiritual journey, remember that the true markers of spiritual attainment are not found in external symbols or personas. They are found in the quiet moments of insight, the depths of your heart, and the transformative power of authentic presence. Embrace the journey inward, for it is there that the true treasures of spiritual awakening are discovered.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Annihilation and Kundalini Awakening

Annihilation is courtesy of Paramount Pictures and Skydance Media

 A Journey Through Transformation

In 2018, Alex Garland’s Annihilation plunged viewers into a surreal and disturbing world, where the familiar dissolves into the unknown, and transformation is inevitable. Watching this movie back then, and rewatching it last night on Netflix, I found myself deeply moved by its haunting imagery and profound symbolism, which echoed my spiritual journey of Kundalini awakening. By delving into the film’s narrative and its vivid scenes, we uncover a rich parallel to the mystical process of awakening dormant energy within.

Spoiler Alert: This post contains spoilers for those who haven’t seen Annihilation.

The Serpent Awakens

One of the most striking and unsettling scenes in Annihilation involves a soldier whose stomach is cut open, and we see his intestines move like a serpent inside him. This visceral image mirrors the ancient depiction of Kundalini energy as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine. In Kundalini traditions, this serpent represents latent spiritual energy, poised to rise and transform the individual. The soldier’s transformation, albeit grotesque, symbolizes the intense and sometimes chaotic nature of this awakening process.

Explosion and Rebirth

In another pivotal moment, the soldier explodes, leaving an intricate and eerie display on the wall. This explosion is reminiscent of the powerful release of Kundalini energy. Such energy can dismantle old patterns and structures, often causing upheaval before a new order can emerge. This scene captures the destructive yet transformative power of Kundalini, which breaks down the old self to pave the way for profound growth and understanding.

Kane’s Ultimate Sacrifice

Kane’s act of sitting cross-legged and detonating a grenade (played by Oscar Isaac) is another profound symbol. His posture suggests meditation or deep introspection, a practice central to awakening Kundalini. The ensuing explosion signifies a profound transformation—an act of self-destruction leading to rebirth. The image left behind symbolizes the remnants of the old self, giving rise to a new state of consciousness. This mirrors the death and rebirth cycle inherent in Kundalini awakening, where the dissolution of the ego precedes the emergence of a higher self.

The Shimmer as the Mystical Realm

The Shimmer, the film’s central enigma, serves as a metaphor for the mystical realm encountered during spiritual awakening. Within the Shimmer, reality bends and mutates, much like the inner landscape experienced during deep meditation and spiritual practices. Here, the boundaries of the self dissolve, and one is confronted with both beauty and terror—reflecting the dual nature of spiritual journeys.

Conclusion

Annihilation offers a hauntingly beautiful exploration of transformation, much like the journey of Kundalini awakening. Through its unsettling imagery and profound symbolism, the film invites viewers to contemplate the nature of change, the dissolution of the old, and the emergence of the new. By examining these parallels, we gain a deeper appreciation of both the cinematic experience and the spiritual process, enriching our understanding of transformation in all its forms.

Despite always wondering if anyone else had made this connection, I haven’t come across mentions of such interpretations. Yet, for me, the resemblance to my own experiences of Kundalini awakening is undeniable, providing a rich array of reflections on inner transformation. Only an individual who has gone through this process would truly understand these connections, as this is an event that must be experienced to be fully comprehended.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Illusion of Enlightenment

Beyond Appearances

In the world of spiritual seekers, the image of enlightenment is often cloaked in stereotypes. We imagine the enlightened as wise sages with serene expressions, adorned in simple yet vibrant robes, often with a flowing beard symbolizing wisdom and age. These images, while compelling, can distract us from the true essence of spiritual awakening.

The Fallacy of External Symbols

Consider the figure of a guru, resplendent in flamboyant orange attire and a long beard. At first glance, these external symbols seem to exude a profound spirituality. They speak of dedication, discipline, and a life devoted to higher truths. However, these symbols are but surface-level adornments. They are, in essence, a part of the cultural performance of spirituality. The real question is: does the essence of enlightenment reside within these outward displays?


The Deeper Reality

Enlightenment, in its truest form, transcends appearances. It is not about how one dresses, speaks, or the rituals one performs. True enlightenment is the realization of nonduality, the deep understanding that all distinctions are ultimately illusory. It is a state of being where one recognizes the interconnectedness of all existence and lives in harmony with this profound truth.

A guru’s flamboyant attire and serene demeanour may buy time and may hold the disciples’ awe, but eventually, true discernment must prevail. Spiritual seekers must learn to look beyond the external and discern the depth of true wisdom.

Beyond the Mask

This brings us to the core of spiritual discernment. The journey towards enlightenment is deeply personal and internal. It requires a relentless commitment to self-inquiry, a willingness to confront and dissolve one’s ego, and an openness to the vast, unfathomable mystery of existence.

A true guru, one who is genuinely enlightened, may or may not conform to the stereotypical image. They might appear as an ordinary person, unremarkable in many ways. The true measure of their enlightenment lies in their ability to guide others toward their inner light, not through the allure of external symbols, but through the profound simplicity and authenticity of their being.


The Inner Path

As seekers on the path, we must cultivate the ability to see beyond appearances. The guru’s external symbols can be helpful signposts, but they are not the destination. Our journey is about inner transformation, about peeling away the layers of illusion to reveal the radiant core of our true nature.

Enlightenment is not a spectacle; it is a quiet, profound shift in consciousness. It is the realization that the true guru resides within each of us, waiting to be discovered in the stillness of our hearts.

Conclusion

In a world where appearances often deceive, the challenge for spiritual seekers is to cultivate true discernment. Let us not be swayed by the external trappings of spirituality but seek the deeper, inner essence of enlightenment. For it is in the quiet, unassuming moments of profound realization that the true nature of our being is revealed.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Turiyatitta

The Dual Dimensions of Consciousness and Developmental Progression

In the realm of spiritual exploration, few concepts are as enigmatic and yet profoundly significant as Turiyatitta. Derived from ancient Eastern philosophies, Turiyatitta is often perceived through two distinct lenses: as a state of consciousness and as a stage of developmental progression. This dichotomy offers a multifaceted understanding of the journey toward enlightenment, allowing us to unravel its mysteries with a deeper appreciation.

I. Turiyatitta as a State of Consciousness

At its core, Turiyatitta as a state of consciousness represents the pinnacle of spiritual awareness. It transcends the traditional states of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. In this heightened state, the individual experiences an overarching sense of unity and interconnectedness with the universe. It is a realm where dualities merge, and the illusion of separateness dissolves. This experience is not merely about observing or understanding nonduality; it is about living it, being immersed in it completely.

II. Turiyatitta as a Stage of Developmental Progression

Alternatively, when viewed as a stage of developmental progression, Turiyatitta symbolizes the culmination of a spiritual journey. It’s not a destination reached hastily but through diligent, sustained practice and profound inner transformation. This perspective of Turiyatitta underscores the evolutionary nature of spiritual growth. It suggests a gradual unfolding, a blossoming of consciousness that culminates in the realization of Turiyatitta.


III. The Interplay between the Two Dimensions

The beauty of Turiyatitta lies in the interplay between these two dimensions. The state of consciousness feeds into the developmental progression, and vice versa. Each experience of Turiyatitta as a state of consciousness propels the seeker further along their developmental path. Similarly, each step forward in one’s spiritual development offers a deeper immersion into the state of Turiyatitta.

IV. Implications for the Spiritual Seeker

For the spiritual seeker, understanding Turiyatitta in both contexts is crucial. It serves as a guidepost, illuminating the path to true enlightenment. By recognizing that Turiyatitta is both a state to be experienced and a stage to be attained, seekers can approach their journey with a balanced perspective, appreciating the importance of both immediate experience and long-term growth.


Conclusion

Turiyatitta, in its dual representation, offers a profound framework for understanding the depths of spiritual consciousness and the journey toward enlightenment. By exploring its aspects as a state of consciousness and a developmental stage, we open ourselves to a more holistic and enriched spiritual journey.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Everlasting Orchard

Savouring the Fruit of Timeless Wisdom

In the vast garden of existence, there lies an orchard, timeless and evergreen. Here, the fruit of knowledge hangs ripe and luscious, immune to the ravages of time. This fruit, unlike its earthly counterparts, never succumbs to decay. It remains eternally fresh, eternally nourishing. Each bite offers a taste of the infinite, a glimpse into the boundless realms of understanding and insight.

This orchard is not a place one can locate on any map. It exists within the depths of our consciousness, accessible to those who embark on the journey inward. The fruit of knowledge symbolizes the profound truths and revelations that we encounter in our spiritual odyssey. Its enduring freshness is a testament to the timeless nature of wisdom. Truth, in its purest form, is not constrained by the passing of eras or the shift of civilizations. It is a constant, a guiding star in the ever-shifting skies of human thought and experience.


Each seeker of wisdom approaches this orchard with a unique perspective. What one tastes in the fruit of knowledge may differ vastly from what another perceives. This is the beauty of our journeys; though the fruit is the same, the flavours we discern are coloured by our personal experiences, beliefs, and inner transformations.

In consuming this fruit, we are not merely acquiring information or learning in the traditional sense. We are engaging in a process of deep, transformative understanding. This understanding reshapes our perception of the world, ourselves, and the interconnectedness of all things. It is an understanding that transcends the dualities of right and wrong, good and evil, self and other. It ushers us into a realm of nonduality, where the boundaries that once seemed so definitive begin to blur and dissolve.


The orchard invites us to return, time and again, to partake in its bounty. With each visit, the fruit of knowledge reveals new layers and new dimensions of wisdom. It is a journey without end, for the depths of understanding are boundless.

As we navigate through the complexities of life, let us remember the evergreen orchard within us. Let us continually seek the fruit of knowledge, savouring its taste, and allowing its nourishment to guide us toward enlightenment and spiritual awakening.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Navigating the Labyrinth

The Dual Pathways of Spiritual Awakening

In the quest for spiritual awakening, the journey we undertake is more akin to navigating a complex labyrinth rather than traversing a straightforward path. This journey is underpinned by a profound process of behaviour modulation, where both the light of blissful experiences and the shadows of existential trials serve as our guides, pushing us toward the pinnacle of spiritual evolution.

The Dance of Light: Encouragements on the Path

The spiritual journey is illuminated by moments of sheer transcendence—those instances of peak and mystical experiences that offer a glimpse into the ineffable oneness of existence. Such moments are not mere points of ecstasy but are profound affirmations from the universe, encouraging us on our path. The bliss, the profound insights, and the serenity encountered are the universe’s whisper, confirming that our practices and inner explorations are indeed aligning us with something much larger than ourselves. These experiences, akin to the light within the labyrinth, guide us by reinforcing our commitment to the spiritual path.

The Shadows’ Wisdom: The Catalysts for Inner Revolution

Conversely, the path is also marked by its darker phases—times when chaos seems to reign and the ground beneath us appears to crumble. The ‘dark night of the soul’, a term coined by mystic St. John of the Cross, alongside phenomena like the tumultuous awakening of Kundalini energy, represents periods where everything that was previously hidden in the shadow comes to light. Such times, though fraught with discomfort, are indispensable. They compel us to confront our deepest fears, unresolved traumas, and the myriad illusions that shroud our true essence. This confrontation, this deep dive into the unseen corridors of our psyche, is the universe’s way of urging us to shed the inessential, to dissolve the barriers that separate us from our truest selves.

The Role of Behaviour Modulation in Spiritual Evolution

It’s within this intricate interplay of light and shadow that behaviour modulation finds its significance. Our spiritual practices, meditations, our acts of kindness, and our pursuits of understanding are all behaviours influenced by the dual aspects of our journey. The euphoria of spiritual highs motivates us to deepen our practice, to chase that oneness, while the agony of spiritual lows forces introspection and a recalibration of our path.

In this context, behaviour modulation isn’t merely about adjusting our actions; it’s about a profound transformation of our very being. It’s about learning to dance with both the light and the shadow, recognizing that each step, whether in joy or pain, is a step closer to enlightenment.

The Labyrinth Unfolds: The Emergence of a Transformed Self

As we navigate this labyrinth, with its high peaks and deep valleys, we slowly uncover that the journey itself is transforming us. We begin to realize that spiritual awakening is not a destination to be reached but an ongoing process of becoming. The true awakening lies in understanding the interplay of light and shadow, order and chaos, bliss and despair, and seeing them not as opposites but as complementary forces guiding us toward our ultimate realization: that we are, and always have been, one with the infinite expanse of existence.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Embracing the Shadows

The Transformative Power of the Dark Night of the Soul

In the depths of human experience, where the light of understanding seems but a distant memory, we find ourselves in the midst of what Saint John of the Cross coined the “dark night of the soul.” This phrase has transcended its religious origins to signify a period of profound personal turmoil and existential crisis that, paradoxically, can lead to the most profound spiritual awakening.

The dark night of the soul is not simply a period of trouble or depression. It is a crucible in which the very foundations of identity, belief, and understanding are melted down. It is the unsettling void where the familiar dissolves, and we are left seemingly alone, wrestling with the most fundamental questions of our existence. Why am I here? What is my purpose? Is there any meaning to my suffering?

However, within this darkness lies a peculiar grace. The darkness, dense and impenetrable, confronts us with our deepest fears and insecurities. Stripped of all pretense, the ego is humbled, and the spirit becomes pliable. It is here, in the surrender to the unknown, that the light of awakening begins to seep through. As the Persian poet Rumi once said, “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” Our wounds and our darkness become the very openings through which a new understanding can emerge.

The transformation that follows is often not one that pulls us out of the dark, but rather one that illuminates the night itself. We find that this darkness was not the absence of light, but the very medium through which a deeper, subtler light could be perceived—a light of truth that the glaring sun of our previously held certainties and convictions could never reveal.

In the embrace of the dark night, the soul learns the language of paradox. The loss of everything that once seemed sure becomes the freedom to explore truth without constraint. In letting go of what we thought we knew, we become open to an entirely new way of being. This is not the light of day with its clear boundaries and definitions, but the soft glow of twilight that admits to mysteries we can never fully grasp or articulate.

This spiritual awakening is not a destination but a continual unfolding. As dawn follows the darkest hour, our awakening is an ever-evolving process where new challenges and understandings emerge. The dark night becomes a passage, a womb of rebirth. Like the phoenix arising from the ashes, our spirits are reborn from the very trials that seemed to threaten our undoing.

And so, the dark night of the soul is not to be feared or avoided but embraced as an essential passage to a deeper, more authentic spiritual life. The darkness is not the end of the journey but a vital, indeed crucial, part of it—a passage that refines, teaches, and ultimately enlightens, granting us wisdom that shines all the brighter for having known the depths of shadow.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith