Tag: Personal Transformation

The Hidden Beast

A Reflection of the Disowned Self

A cunning force moves through the unseen corridors of the unconscious, concealed within those who reject the parts of themselves they fear most. It does not wear horns or breathe fire, nor does it announce its presence with grand gestures. Instead, it drapes itself in the illusion of virtue, speaking with the tongue of righteousness while burying its most primal aspects beneath layers of denial.

This force is not the false prophet itself but the unclaimed shadow—the rejected fragment of the psyche that festers in the void of self-neglect. It lingers where awareness falters, whispering through the cracks of pretense, waiting for moments of weakness to make itself known. Some may catch its presence through a subtle unease, a tension within that signals something amiss. The senses pick up on what the eyes cannot see.

The more one denies this silent presence, the more erratic its manifestations become. When left unacknowledged, it erupts in impulsive behaviours, reckless speech, and actions that defy the carefully crafted image of moral certainty. It demands attention, forcing its way into reality through chaos and contradiction.

Yet, those who witness this in others must tread carefully. Casting judgment only strengthens the illusion of separation. The beast is not exclusive to one person, nor is it bound to a single host. Every individual carries a shadow—a hidden reservoir of unprocessed fears, desires, and forgotten aspects of the self. Recognizing it in another is merely an invitation to acknowledge what lies within.

True transformation does not come from condemnation but from confrontation. The journey is not about silencing the beast but understanding its purpose. When met with awareness, the shadow no longer acts out in defiance but instead becomes an ally. It teaches, refines, and reveals the depth of one’s being.

To see this force in another is an opportunity to turn inward. Rather than dismissing the reflection, one must embrace it, integrate it, and walk the path of self-illumination. Through this, judgment dissolves, tolerance deepens, and empathy emerges—not as an act of virtue but as the inevitable result of knowing oneself completely.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Environmental Evolution of Being

Put Yourself in an Environment That Forces You to Evolve

Evolution is not a passive process. It requires friction, challenge, and a deliberate shift in how we engage with the world around us. Too often, we find ourselves clinging to the familiar – a comfort zone that insulates us from growth. But the truth is, stagnation often masquerades as comfort, and transformation rarely occurs in spaces that feel safe and predictable. To truly evolve, you must immerse yourself in environments that demand more of you than you believed possible.

Imagine a seed placed on barren soil. No matter how much potential it holds, without the right environment, it cannot thrive. The same principle applies to human consciousness. When you place yourself in an environment that challenges your assumptions, disrupts your routines, and stretches your understanding of who you are, evolution becomes inevitable.

Surround yourself with individuals who inspire you through their authenticity, resilience, and wisdom. Seek experiences that make you question your current perspective. Choose spaces that encourage vulnerability while fostering accountability. These environments act as mirrors, reflecting aspects of yourself that may have gone unnoticed or unacknowledged. Growth arises when you embrace what you see, even when it feels uncomfortable.

It is not the environment alone that transforms; it is your willingness to engage with it fully. A forest does not teach you to climb, but the presence of towering trees invites you to rise above. The ocean does not command you to swim, but its vastness compels you to move beyond your limits. Similarly, environments rich with opportunity and challenge do not demand evolution – they inspire it.

This process requires discernment. Not every difficult situation is fertile ground for growth. Some environments drain, diminish, or distort your sense of self. The key is to distinguish between spaces that stretch you and those that stifle you. Recognize the difference between discomfort that promotes expansion and harm that reinforces contraction.

Ask yourself: What environments am I currently choosing, and how are they shaping my trajectory? Are they calling me to deepen my understanding, expand my horizons, or confront the parts of myself that remain unseen? Or are they keeping me tethered to outdated patterns of thinking and being? These questions hold the power to shift your reality.

To evolve is to risk. It is to step into uncertainty with the faith that growth lies on the other side. No great transformation ever came from staying the same. If you feel the urge to grow, listen to it. Put yourself in the soil of challenge, water it with intention, and let your potential rise to meet the environment that beckons you forward.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Subtle Divide

Spiritually Inclined vs. Spiritually Awakened

In the pursuit of spiritual understanding, a significant distinction emerges between being spiritually inclined and spiritually awakened. This divergence reveals not just a difference in terms of interest, but in the depth of experience and transformation.

The Spiritually Inclined

Those who are spiritually inclined are often on the periphery of spiritual exploration. Their journey is characterized by a curiosity and fascination with the metaphysical realm. This inclination is the initial spark, a gentle pull towards understanding deeper truths of existence. It involves an appreciation of spiritual concepts, rituals, and practices, often adopted to enhance personal well-being or to find solace in times of distress. Yet, this stage may lack the profound shift in perception that marks true spiritual awakening.

The Spiritually Awakened

In contrast, spiritual awakening is a profound transformation that redefines the essence of one’s being. It is not merely an interest or hobby, but a fundamental change in how one perceives and interacts with the world. This shift often arrives unexpectedly, after intense personal introspection or significant life challenges that push one to question deeper existential truths.

An awakened individual sees beyond the illusions of the self and the material world, recognizing the interconnected nature of all life. Their lives are marked by a deep, intrinsic understanding of non-duality—that there is no separation between the self and the universe, only a unified existence. This realization is not an intellectual exercise but an experiential truth that permeates every aspect of life.

Navigating the Path from Inclination to Awakening

Transitioning from being spiritually inclined to being awakened is not a guaranteed trajectory. It requires more than just passive interest; it demands active engagement, often facilitated by practices such as meditation, contemplative prayer, or profound philosophical inquiry. The catalyst for awakening is deeply personal and can be facilitated by a guide or teacher who can help one embark on the necessary introspective journey. For those seeking to bridge this gap, it is essential to cultivate an environment that encourages deep questioning and vulnerability. It involves letting go of preconceived notions and embracing the unknown with an open heart and mind.

Conclusion

The journey from spiritual inclination to awakening is unique for each individual, filled with challenges and revelations. Recognizing the difference between these states is crucial for anyone on the path of spiritual exploration, as it highlights the depth of commitment and transformation required to move beyond mere interest to profound spiritual realization.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Krishna Kaur

Celebrating the Essence of Black History Month Through the Wisdom of Krishna Kaur Khalsa

In the spirit of Black History Month, it is pivotal to spotlight the luminous figures whose contributions transcend the conventional boundaries of culture, spirituality, and personal growth. Among such esteemed individuals is Krishna Kaur Khalsa, a beacon of Kundalini Yoga and a venerated teacher whose legacy intertwines with the very soul of Black History. My journey with Krishna Kaur, particularly during her visit to Toronto, unveiled a realm of spiritual enlightenment and resilience that continues to inspire.

Krishna Kaur, a pioneer in her field, has not only brought Kundalini Yoga to diverse communities but has also embodied the profound interconnectedness between the African diaspora and Eastern spiritual philosophies. Her teachings, deeply rooted in the tenets of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan, illustrate a unique synthesis of cultural heritage and spiritual discipline. This blend is a testament to the power of spiritual practices in fostering community, resilience, and self-empowerment among people of African descent.

The significance of Black History Month lies not just in acknowledging the struggles and achievements of Black individuals but also in celebrating the diverse contributions they have made across various fields—including spirituality and holistic wellness. Krishna Kaur’s journey is a compelling narrative of overcoming barriers, embracing one’s roots, and sharing profound spiritual knowledge with the world. Her dedication to spreading the teachings of Kundalini Yoga far and wide, especially among Black communities, underscores a vital aspect of this celebration: the recognition of spiritual leaders who have been instrumental in nurturing a sense of unity, strength, and enlightenment.

My encounters with Krishna Kaur during her lectures and Kundalini Yoga training sessions in Toronto were transformative. While she encouraged a focus on yoga training, my inclination towards meditation practice remained strong. Despite this divergence in our spiritual practices, the respect and admiration I hold for her wisdom and her holistic approach to Eastern knowledge have only deepened. Krishna Kaur’s teachings, characterized by an unwavering commitment to spiritual awakening and personal growth, have left an indelible mark on my journey and countless others touched by her grace.

As we honour Black History Month, let us remember the luminaries like Krishna Kaur Khalsa who illuminate the paths of spiritual exploration and self-discovery. Her legacy, imbued with the richness of Eastern philosophy, serves as a beacon for all who seek to transcend the boundaries of their individual experiences in pursuit of a more interconnected and enlightened world.

In celebrating Krishna Kaur’s contributions, we are reminded of the broader impact of Black spiritual leaders and their essential role in weaving the fabric of our collective history. Their stories and teachings encourage us to look beyond the surface, explore the depths of our spiritual journeys, and acknowledge the profound ways Black history and spirituality are intertwined.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Jungle Flower

A Beacon of Inspiration and Healing

In 2012, I had the incredible fortune of crossing paths with a remarkable soul – Jungle Flower. A former photographer, poet, speaker, writer, workshop and sound bath facilitator, Jungle is a mosaic of talents and a beacon of inspiration.

Our first meeting was at a social gathering with R.I.S.E. Edutainment members, where she played the violin with such grace, that it was as if the strings narrated stories of her deep resilience. That year also marked her first spiritual peak experience, an event I was privileged to witness.

Jungle Flower’s journey is one of remarkable courage. She has openly shared her path of healing from abuse and sexual violence through storytelling and spoken word. This journey led her to establish ‘Reclaim Your Voice’ – a BIPOC survivor-led initiative creating safe spaces for individuals to heal from abuse and sexual violence. Her symposiums, which I’ve attended and participated in, are a testament to her immense capacity for empathy and healing.

Beyond her professional achievements, it’s her heart that truly resonates. I recall a moment during our Kundalini Yoga training with Krishna Kaur. Post-session, a participant complimented Jungle Flower on her jacket. Without hesitation, she offered it to her. This act of kindness is a window into her soul.

Jungle’s journey with meditation, including becoming my student in the Yinnergy program, led to her receiving the Yinnergy Appreciation Award in 2014 for her community service. She then expanded her reach through talk radio with ‘Reclaim Your Voice’, a project I proudly sponsored.

Her accolades, including the Volunteer Toronto Legacy Award (2015), the Roger Fisher Scholarship (2016), the Write Your Self Scholarship (2017), and the Mayor’s Community Safety Award (2021), are just the tip of the iceberg. In 2019, she mesmerized a sold-out audience with her one-woman show, ‘Jungle Flower Dragon Heart’, where she shared memoirs through various artistic expressions.

Jungle Flower’s impact stretches beyond the Canadian borders, with invitations to speak at universities in the US. Her recent venture into sound baths is yet another layer of her multifaceted talent. Attending one of her sessions is an experience of deep relaxation, emotional stability, and a journey into heightened intuition and inner peace.

(Enjoying a transformative sound bath session with Jungle Flower)

For those in Toronto, seeking elevation, healing, and a profound connection, I cannot recommend Jungle Flower enough. Her individual, group, and couples sessions are transformative experiences that go beyond mere relaxation.

Discover more about Jungle Flower’s sound baths:

jungleflowerwellness.com

Morgan O. Smith

The Echoes of Service

The Reflective Nature of Giving

In a world overwhelmingly focused on personal gain and self-promotion, the emphasis on service to others often gets sidelined, taken for granted or worse, perceived as a weakness. Yet, there lies an intrinsic truth waiting to be uncovered – a service we provide for others reverberates back, serving us in a myriad of unexpected ways.

Engaging in acts of service paves the way toward a richer understanding of life, enabling us to transcend the narrow confines of self-centeredness. When we reach out to others, providing aid without any ulterior motive, we transcend the ego, thus laying the foundation for personal growth and self-discovery. The truth is that every act of selfless service propels us into a deeper alignment with the universal law of interdependence. We begin to understand that by nurturing others, we nurture the best within ourselves.

Service to others enhances our empathy, patience, and understanding. It offers a lens through which we can view life from a different perspective, a perspective that’s not tainted by self-obsession but enriched by the diversity of human experience. This shift in perspective is vital for it nourishes the soil in which our transformation can thrive. As we devote ourselves to the service of others, we are inadvertently embarking on a journey of self-exploration, discovering aspects of our being that remain obscure amidst the hustle of self-centred pursuits.

Moreover, service isn’t merely about doing good to feel good. It’s about forging a profound connection with humanity and the world around us. It’s about coming to terms with the fact that our well-being is intrinsically tied to collective well-being.

Furthermore, when we serve others, we send forth a ripple of positive energy into the universe, which in due course, returns to us with amplified benevolence. The universe, in its boundless wisdom, has a way of reciprocating our good deeds, often in forms unanticipated.

This reflective nature of service isn’t about keeping score or awaiting a return on investment, it’s about recognizing that the energy we contribute to the world around us is the same energy that eventually shapes our reality.

So, as we extend our hands to serve others, we are essentially embarking on a path that not only enriches others’ lives but also cultivates a deeper sense of purpose, understanding, and connection within ourselves. Through service, we become a mirror, reflecting the beauty, struggles, and unyielding potential of humanity. In this act of giving, we receive, thus making service a soul-enriching endeavour, a silent yet profound dialogue between selflessness and self-discovery.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Facets of Ego and Transcendent Experiences: Part Two

As we proceed from Part One, a profound realization dawns. During moments of complete ego death, the individual facets cease to exist, yet paradoxically, they all exist, blending into a unified consciousness. The boundaries of ‘I’, ‘you’, ‘us’, and ‘them’ dissolve, making room for an all-encompassing ‘we’.

Our ego transforms and integrates into the collective consciousness, interconnecting with the egos of all beings, and indeed, the universe itself. Every trait, every star in our constellation, becomes part of this grand cosmic tapestry.

This realization isn’t merely intellectual, but experiential. Our individual identities meld into the collective, signifying an interconnectedness that transcends our singular perspective. In the dance of the facets of ego and the mystical experiences, we uncover our deepest potential to be interconnected, to share in the collective consciousness of all beings, and to participate consciously in the magnificent orchestration of the universe.

Through this journey, we don’t lose ourselves; instead, we find our place in the cosmos, gaining a newfound appreciation for the diversity and unity that life offers. We witness our traits, without labelling them as positive or negative, as part of a unified whole. Our ego ceases to be an entity isolated from the universe and becomes a fundamental part of the cosmic consciousness.

This exploration of the ego and its many facets is not just an intellectual exercise, but a call for introspection and self-awareness. It encourages us to embrace our full spectrum of experiences, from the depths of our struggles to the heights of our joys, all the while seeking that profound connection with the universe and our place within it.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Universal Tapestry

Revelations From The Pinnacle of Spiritual Perception

Introduction:
Imagine for a moment transcending the confines of your individual self and embracing the consciousness of all life forms across the universe. This peak spiritual experience, where one sees from every possible perspective, holds transformative potential. But what exactly happens, and why is this beneficial?

The Tapestry of Existence:
Within this peak experience, one witnesses the intricate fabric of life woven through space and time. As humans, we usually observe life through the lens of our limited experiences, but as the collective consciousness, you realize the delicate balance and interdependence that sustains life in its myriad forms.

Empathy on a Cosmic Scale:
In this state, the empathy experienced is unparalleled. You are not just understanding someone else’s viewpoint; you ARE them. The barriers that divide humans – race, religion, nationality – become inconsequential. This heightened empathy can promote peace, as individuals who have undergone such a transcendental experience may return with an inherent sense of the unity of all beings.

Stewardship of Earth and Beyond:
Seeing the interconnectedness of all life forms generates a sense of responsibility. The recognition that our actions affect not just our immediate environment but ripple across ecosystems and even planets can lead to more conscious stewardship of Earth and potentially other habitats throughout the universe.

Innovation Through Diverse Perspectives:
In a state where one can tap into the consciousness of different life forms, the pool of knowledge and experiences becomes vast. This can foster innovative solutions to longstanding problems as insights from different life forms provide new angles and approaches previously unthought of.

Deepening Self-Understanding:
While experiencing the universality of consciousness, one’s self-concept undergoes a profound transformation. Understanding that your essence is intertwined with the cosmos helps in comprehending the self not as an isolated entity, but as an integral part of a larger whole.

Ethical Evolution:
With the awareness of the interconnected tapestry of life, ethics evolve. Actions are evaluated not just based on their impact on individual lives but on the entirety of the cosmic fabric. This shift can lead to an ethical framework that values preservation, cooperation, and symbiosis.

Conclusion:
A peak spiritual experience of perceiving existence from all perspectives is more than just an awe-inspiring phenomenon; it’s a revelation that has the potential to alter the very fabric of human society. By instilling a sense of interconnectedness, fostering empathy, driving innovation, and evolving our ethical compass, such experiences can pave the way for a more harmonious and sustainable coexistence with all life throughout the universe.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Constructed Sovereign Born from our Profound Void

The Illusion of Divinity and the Awakening of Inner Sovereignty

When we summon the image of an omnipotent moral authority, an unseen deity, we’re sketching a spectre birthed within the confines of our minds. This entity isn’t a divine phenomenon, but an offspring of our collective ego — an abstract amalgamation of ethics, morality, societal norms, rules, and dogmas. It thrives within the interconnected webs of our cultural and religious environment, existing as a part of us we’ve divorced from our understanding, enthroned too high in sacred spheres to accept it as our creation.

This fabricated deity stands as a sentinel, shielding us from the lure of a so-called demon, our id. This id, a tempestuous, liberated facet of our psyche, intimately bound to our physicality, represents the part we battle relentlessly. It’s in this internal war where the dream of resolution dawns, an arena where the ego and the id duel to claim dominance, awaiting a day when one will stand victorious upon the self’s throne.

We hold a solution in our grasp. Yet when enlightened souls, unhindered by societal constructs, attempt to illuminate the truth about this divine entity, we recoil. We revile them with hushed condemnations, predicting their doom by the flickering light of divine retribution. We imagine they’ll be smitten by a wrathful deity, ironic considering we believe this god granted us the right to reason critically and voice our truths.

Despite the inflexibility of our beliefs, the spectre remains. Even if we dismantle our collective ego, or raze all institutional bodies of authority and religious tenets, this deity will endure. Its eradication would unleash the collective id in a surge of high entropy chaos, shredding order, poised to reconstruct once our desires breed more disillusionment.

So, we are left under the shadow of a perceived dominator, who indeed governs as long as we believe it defends virtue. We extol this deity as the supreme entity, blind to the reality that we, the self-proclaimed limited beings, are the puppeteers. The stern god we fear is merely a man-made construct, a mythical lord over a land it doesn’t possess. We’re the true sovereigns, unknowingly directing a god on a leash, a faithful creature that bows to our every whim.

I implore you to see beyond the shimmering facade of your golden idol. The essence of the authentic divine, indivisible from us, is the omnipresent force permeating the All. To fathom the authentic divine is to realize there’s no puppet god, and in embracing this enlightenment, we shatter the chains of ignorance.

A creator does exist, but not outside of you. The world you perceive as external is an extension of your internal narrative. You are Consciousness, Spirit, Existence, and Ultimate Reality embodied, performing the roles of physical, psychological, and emotional existence. You are not merely a being, but a Presence, an omnipresent force enacting a grand cosmic play of energy, particles, atoms, cells, objects, systems, and their operational mechanics. This essence, forever within your grasp, is empowered by your belief in it, yet you offer this power to a creator birthed from you, the genuine Almighty.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith