Tag: self-acceptance

The Myth of Perfection

A Reflection on Human Nature and Spirituality

Perfection is a concept that many aspire to, yet one that remains fundamentally unattainable. The allure of becoming flawless is often reinforced by societal expectations, self-help narratives, and spiritual teachings that promise transcendence over our shortcomings. We yearn for mastery, imagining a state where all undesirable traits have been eradicated and every behaviour aligns with some ideal of human perfection. But is that ever truly possible?

No one is perfect. Not even the most enlightened being on the planet. Let’s use pest control as an example.

No matter how meticulously we maintain our homes or how many pest-control methods we employ, insects will inevitably appear. Some will be caught and eliminated, others will hide and multiply. This relentless cycle mirrors our inner world. Despite all efforts—through therapy, shadow work, psychedelics, or spiritual awakening—no one has found a way to remove every negative tendency permanently. As insects are part of the natural ecosystem, our imperfections are part of being human. Attempts to eliminate all flaws are as futile as trying to rid the entire world of pests.

Each trait or behaviour can be seen as a metaphorical bug. Selling a bug-killing spray or device is like an enlightened teacher selling a pathway to liberation or a self-actualized individual motivating others to reach their highest potential. The promise is not false, but the misconception lies in the belief that the bugs—the flaws—will be eradicated forever. The truth is more nuanced. Much like we can control insects to a certain extent, we can address negative traits, but total elimination is beyond reach.

If you’ve ever been to a home that had one visible roach, you likely made a snap judgment about cleanliness, even if the house was otherwise spotless. Contrast that with spotting an ant, and your reaction might be more forgiving. This response isn’t based on logic but on deeply ingrained conditioning. The same holds for how we judge others. One visible flaw can overshadow countless positive qualities, not because the flaw is inherently worse, but because of how we’ve been conditioned to perceive it.

A self-actualized person can be compared to a meticulous homeowner who manages to keep most of the pests at bay. Their house is mostly clean, orderly, and free of unwanted visitors. Yet, even they know that complete eradication is impossible. An enlightened being, on the other hand, goes beyond this mindset. They see every bug as a part of themselves—each flaw, each undesirable trait, is not separate but an expression of the whole. This broader understanding fosters a deeper acceptance. While they might occasionally choose to kill a bug, it’s done without aversion or judgment. There’s no inner conflict because they see that every bug, every flaw, serves a purpose.

Now the enlightened individual sees everything as perfection. Everything that is considered imperfect is happening perfectly. Everything is divine. Even the most imperfect individual or situation or circumstance. The enlightened recognize that what appears as chaos or dysfunction from a limited perspective is simply the perfect unfolding of a greater, unseen order. A roach-infested home, a seemingly flawed person, or an unwelcome circumstance—all are expressions of a divine play. There is no distinction between beauty and ugliness, perfection and imperfection because all dualities dissolve into the same oneness.

So, when an enlightened being enters a home overrun with insects, they do not recoil or judge. They recognize that their own home could, at any moment, be similarly overtaken. There is no attachment to a pristine space or the opinions of others regarding their environment. By accepting that bugs will always be present, the enlightened suffer less—not because their world is free of pests, but because they are no longer bothered by their existence.

The true wisdom here lies in shifting the focus away from trying to perfect oneself and toward seeing all parts of life—including the messiness, the flaws, and the unwanted bugs—as expressions of the same wholeness. The journey is not about eradicating; it’s about embracing. When we see all that is seemingly imperfect as perfectly divine, we move beyond the struggle and enter a space of true inner peace and freedom.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Facing Your Own Shadow

The Gaze of Disowned Shame

There’s a moment in the journey of inner awakening where the light of awareness turns inward. A place often shrouded in secrecy, where the parts of yourself you’ve hidden away become unmasked. What’s revealed can be unsettling — the shame, guilt, and self-rejection that haunt the depths of your psyche. Encountering this inner entity, stripped of its disguise, becomes an intense confrontation: you face your own shadow.

Yet, when you meet this shadow, it does not recoil, flinch, or fade away. It simply observes you, raw and unmoved, reflecting the energy you’ve poured into rejecting it. For many, this experience feels like staring into an unbroken mirror, one that reflects not just the image you’ve created for the world, but the essence of what’s been buried, judged, and cast away.

When people speak of self-acceptance, it’s easy to imagine embracing the pleasant or polished parts of one’s persona. But the journey of true self-integration calls for embracing what is most despised. The parts labelled as unworthy, inadequate, or unforgivable become the gateway to your deepest transformation. Until then, they stare back with unblinking eyes — patiently awaiting recognition.

But why is this encounter necessary?

The disowned aspects of yourself hold immense power. They are reservoirs of energy locked behind the walls of judgment and fear. Every time they’re denied, they exert their influence unconsciously, driving reactions, decisions, and emotional patterns. The paradox is that the more they’re pushed away, the more they define your behaviour.

To stare at your shame is to feel its immensity. But beyond the discomfort, there is a subtle alchemy taking place. Each moment of presence, without rejection or justification, melts the rigidity of these self-imposed barriers. The shame becomes less monstrous. The guilt becomes less consuming. And in its place emerges a profound understanding: these shadows are not enemies but wounded parts of your psyche yearning for reintegration.

Facing your shame isn’t about confronting a malicious force. It’s about witnessing a fragmented self, desperately wanting to be seen and acknowledged. When fully embraced, these darkened corners of the mind cease to resist, and their power transforms into clarity, strength, and authentic self-expression.

This act of presence is not about seeking remorse or forgiveness. It’s about witnessing without the need for resolution. It’s about being so fully present that you pierce through the veil of judgment and glimpse the raw humanity of your being. That which once seemed abhorrent softens under the gaze of true self-compassion.

Ultimately, this process reshapes your sense of identity. No longer chained to a cycle of rejection and self-criticism, you stand free, more whole, and more alive. The shame that once stared back unrelentingly, feeling no remorse, becomes a quiet reminder that every part of you — no matter how dark — serves as a key to your liberation.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Journey Within Embracing Nondual Suchness

In my spiritual explorations, I have come to embrace what the few would call “Nondual Suchness.” This concept represents a transformative journey of consciousness, one that transcends the need for external recognition or validation. It is a path that leads inward, towards a deep, unshakeable peace and a profound realization of universal interconnectedness.

This journey is not about reaching outward for validation or acknowledgment. Instead, it’s about turning inward for self-discovery and self-acceptance. It is here, in the quietude of our inner being, that we encounter the true essence of our existence. This exploration reveals the intrinsic rewards of our inner journey – rewards that are not given by the world but are discovered within the depths of our consciousness.


Embracing Nondual Suchness is about recognizing the interconnected fabric of all existence. It’s about understanding that every thought, every action, and every moment is intrinsically linked to the whole, simultaneously being the whole. This realization brings with it a profound sense of peace, as we begin to see ourselves not as isolated beings, but as integral parts of a larger, harmonious whole.

This path of self-discovery and self-acceptance is an invitation to all. It is a call to delve into the depths of our being, to uncover the peace and understanding that lie within. It is a journey that transforms not just our perception of ourselves, but our perception of the world around us. In embracing Nondual Suchness, we find not just peace, but a deep and abiding joy in the simple act of being.


Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Even the Sun Has Its Dark Spots

Embracing Human Imperfection

We’ve often looked up to the sun as a source of life, light, and unyielding energy. Its brilliance is unparalleled, illuminating our world, making life possible, and inspiring countless civilizations throughout history. Yet, if we examine this celestial body more closely, we find that even the sun has its dark spots—areas of lower temperatures and intense magnetic activity. This observation serves as a profound metaphor for human nature: even the most enlightened among us have their flaws.

### **The Illusion of Perfection**

In today’s age of social media and carefully curated online personas, it’s easy to assume that those we admire lead impeccable lives, free of mistakes or misjudgments. We observe the highlights, the victories, and the triumphant moments, rarely bearing witness to the challenges, doubts, or imperfections that punctuate the human experience.

Just as we might be oblivious to the sun’s dark spots when basking in its warmth, we may overlook the shortcomings of those we deem as enlightened or flawless. This perception creates unrealistic standards, and the pressure to attain perfection becomes a burden too heavy to bear.

### **Enlightenment and Flaws Coexist**

If we recognize that even the sun, with all its might and brilliance, possesses dark spots, then why do we find it hard to accept that our heroes, mentors, and idols can also have their moments of darkness?

True enlightenment is not the absence of flaws but rather the recognition and acceptance of them. It’s about understanding that imperfection is an intrinsic part of the human experience. Those who are genuinely enlightened are not free from mistakes; they are simply more attuned to their humanity and the humanity of others.

### **Embracing Our Dark Spots**

Instead of shunning our flaws or those of others, let’s consider embracing them as essential aspects of our narratives. These imperfections provide texture, depth, and dimension to our stories, making them unique and relatable.

By accepting our dark spots, we free ourselves from the chains of unrealistic expectations and open the door to genuine growth. After all, it is often in our moments of vulnerability and acknowledgment of our flaws that we find the strength and motivation to evolve.

### **In Conclusion**

The sun, with its dark spots, remains our primary source of light and life. Likewise, our flaws do not diminish our value or potential. Instead, they remind us that perfection is not a prerequisite for greatness or enlightenment.

Let’s celebrate our dark spots, for they are a testament to our humanity, our growth, and our ever-evolving journey toward enlightenment. Even in imperfection, there is beauty, wisdom, and an undeniable spark of divinity.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith