Tag: Self-realization

The Self You’ve Disowned

We often approach the idea of God as something external—an omniscient force watching from a distance, a transcendent creator who governs the cosmos. Yet this perspective keeps us trapped in separation, perpetually seeking something outside ourselves to fill a void or grant us salvation. What if the very concept of God points to an aspect of our being, an ultimate reflection of the self we’ve denied?

This disowned self isn’t the egoic identity that clings to its limitations. We have forgotten how to access the essence of boundless awareness, a space of infinite potential and wisdom. To disown something is to exile it from consciousness. And what has been exiled? The unconditioned self is the aspect of us that sees through the illusions of individuality and recognizes its oneness with all existence.

When we strip away the layers of attachment, fear, and identification with form, what remains? The answer is not a void in the nihilistic sense but a fertile emptiness where the fullness of life reveals itself. This is the realm where the divine resides, not as a being separate from you, but as the highest level of yourself—a self too vast, too luminous, to fit into the confines of your limited perception.

The Psychology of Disowning God

Many disown this ultimate self because embracing it requires the dissolution of the ego. We cling to roles, stories, and identities because they provide a sense of control. Yet these constructs are fragile, built on the shifting sands of impermanence. To own the highest self—the God-self—is to release the need for control, to step into the unknown with trust.

This is why the concept of God can evoke discomfort or skepticism. It forces us to confront the parts of ourselves that resist unity. The fragmented mind would rather see divinity as “out there” than face the profound responsibility of embodying it. To own the God-self is to accept that you are both the creator and the created, the ocean and the wave.

Reclaiming the Disowned Self

Reclaiming this aspect of the self is not about achieving something new. It is about remembering. This remembering begins with stillness—a radical turning inward that allows you to see the divine as the very ground of your being. It is the quiet realization that you are not a seeker in search of God; you are God, awakening to itself.

This journey requires profound courage. To reclaim the self you’ve disowned is to face the shadows you’ve avoided, to embrace the paradoxes of existence. It is to see that what you once called “God” and what you once called “self” are not separate, but one.

This realization does not inflate the ego. On the contrary, it dissolves it. When you live from the awareness of the highest self, every action becomes an expression of divine will. Compassion flows naturally because you recognize every being as another facet of the same essence. Suffering transforms into a teacher, guiding you back to wholeness.

Living from the God-Self

To live from this understanding is to inhabit life with clarity and grace. Challenges no longer feel like punishments but invitations to deepen your alignment with the divine within. Relationships are no longer transactional but become mirrors reflecting the infinite back to you. Every moment becomes sacred—not because of what it contains, but because of who you are as you experience it.

This is the ultimate paradox: God is not something you find; it is something you become by realizing you were never anything else.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

One Heartbeat…One Thousand Thoughts

Consider the heartbeat: a steady, rhythmic pulse that carries the force of life through every cell of your being. Within each beat lies an unseen multitude, a vast array of thoughts—fleeting, overlapping, and often unnoticed. This single moment, this solitary beat contains within it the energy of a thousand thoughts, each connected to the next, creating the internal world we navigate daily.

Thoughts rush like a river, surging with desires, fears, memories, and plans. Yet, they are barely registered before the next wave crashes. The heartbeat, however, remains a constant companion, reminding us that a profound stillness exists beneath the surface of our scattered minds.

It is within this space—the pause between heartbeats—that clarity can emerge. As our awareness deepens, we recognize that the mind’s racing thoughts are but ripples on the ocean of our being. We are not the thoughts themselves but the consciousness that observes them. By aligning with the heartbeat rather than the noise of the mind, we begin to see beyond the clutter of mental activity, into the spacious awareness where thoughts dissolve and presence shines.

A single heartbeat holds the potential for transformation, for within that beat is the opportunity to disengage from the frantic movement of thought and return to the grounded essence of who we are. Thought is not the enemy, but its sheer volume often drowns out the wisdom that whispers between the beats.

This shift, from identifying with thought to residing in awareness, is subtle but profound. It reveals that while a thousand thoughts may pass through our minds, they are transient. The heartbeat, however, is the rhythm of life itself, a steady pulse guiding us toward presence. Here lies a truth often overlooked: life happens not in the storm of thoughts, but in the quiet between them.

The next time your mind feels overwhelmed, listen to your heartbeat. Allow yourself to rest in the awareness that arises in its rhythm. Watch as the thousand thoughts lose their hold, and the simplicity of being takes centre stage. This is the essence of spiritual awakening—a return to the heart, where a thousand thoughts collapse into one still, eternal presence.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Beyond Illusion

Discovering the Space Between

The mind creates identities and builds a sense of self out of thoughts, emotions, and past experiences. These constructs shape beliefs around who you think you are and who you think you aren’t. This entire narrative, though compelling, is merely a distortion. It presents itself as reality but, in truth, is nothing more than an intricate mental creation. We become confined by these polarities, oscillating between two extremes—what we accept and what we reject about ourselves.

These boundaries, however, do not define the core of who you are. The sense of self emerges as a reflection against what we perceive as the ‘other.’ You’re not merely the collection of traits you cherish, nor are you the shadow aspects you struggle to suppress. By engaging with either, you remain caught in a dualistic view that blinds you to your deeper essence.

The challenge, then, is to neither grasp onto one identity nor to strive to become its opposite, but to look at the liminal space between. This uncharted territory holds the key to your True Self. Neither glorified nor condemned, this space is untouched by labels. It eludes all attempts to be defined. When you gaze into that emptiness, you come face-to-face with your origin—the point where being meets non-being, and you witness the dissolution of the false dichotomy between ‘I am this’ and ‘I am not that.’

Finding this space requires surrendering the tendency to categorize. Allow awareness to rest on the edges of thought, where opposites fade into one another. This subtle recognition can shift perception, making you aware of a silent presence that underlies all identifications. It’s a sense of being that defies expression yet is undeniably real. Here, you aren’t bound by limitations, nor are you an idealized version of yourself.

This presence is what mystics have pointed to throughout the ages—a place beyond words and mental constructs. It’s here that the True Self emerges, not as a separate entity, but as the unconditioned awareness that holds both the ‘you’ and the ‘not you.’ Let this realization transform the way you see yourself and others, dissolving barriers until all that remains is a boundless, indivisible field of consciousness.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

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

The Illusion of Maya

Seeing Beyond the Show

Everything we perceive—the people, places, and events around us—is, at its core, a show. This is not a dismissal of life’s value but an invitation to explore its deeper essence. What we call “reality” is Maya, a veil of illusion that covers the truth. Maya is the great play of forms, the endless dance of opposites, and the theatre of duality where all things appear separate.

Yet, behind the scenes of this elaborate show lies something far more profound. Maya is the stage, but consciousness is the ever-present witness. The mind, with all its perceptions, attachments, and desires, keeps us captivated by the performance. We become so engrossed in the unfolding drama of our lives that we forget we are not the characters, but the awareness watching it all unfold.

Understanding Maya isn’t about rejecting the world or treating life as insignificant. Rather, it’s about seeing through the illusion. The key is not to escape Maya but to recognize it for what it is—a fleeting projection of the eternal. Once the illusion is seen for what it truly is, everything shifts. Life no longer feels like a weight to carry or a puzzle to solve. It becomes a dance, a cosmic play where each movement, no matter how dramatic, is infused with a deeper stillness.

Consider the waves of the ocean. They rise and fall, each one unique, yet they are never separate from the ocean itself. The wave may take shape, crash, and disappear, but the ocean remains constant. So, too, with Maya—forms come and go, experiences rise and fall, but consciousness remains unchanging, ever-present, and infinite.

To see beyond the illusion of Maya is to live with a lightness of being, recognizing that while everything is part of the grand show, none of it defines the true self. The self that watches, silently aware, is the only constant. When this is realized, life becomes a paradoxical blend of deep engagement and effortless detachment. You play your role in the world, knowing full well that it is all a divine drama, yet you remain untouched by its outcomes.

Maya invites us to enjoy the show while remembering we are not bound by it. Behind every illusion lies the vastness of truth, waiting to be uncovered by the silent observer within.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Turiya

The Unseen Ground of Consciousness

Turiya, often described as the fourth state of consciousness, stands beyond waking, dreaming, and deep dreamless sleep. What does it feel like to exist within this state? The experience itself cannot be fully captured by language, for Turiya transcends the usual boundaries of perception. It is not merely a state that one “enters” and “leaves”; rather, it is the ground upon which all other states rest.

There’s a subtle, yet profound, recognition that one is not the individual witness, but the infinite awareness in which all phenomena arise and dissolve. In Turiya, the experience is not of observing the states of waking, dreaming, and deep dreamless sleep separately, but of witnessing them as simultaneous expressions of a unified field of consciousness. Here, distinctions lose their meaning—what was once experienced as separate now collapses into a seamless continuum.

This state has often been referred to as the first stage of enlightenment. Yet, even such descriptions fall short. The essence of Turiya is not something “attained” through effort. Instead, it is revealed through the dissolution of identity, a quiet remembrance of one’s true nature.

Imagine an eternal presence where time does not move, where forms arise and fall like waves on the surface of an ocean, yet the ocean itself remains unshaken. Divinity, in this context, is not something external or far-off—it is what you are. The divine becomes aware of itself, witnessing all, yet remaining untouched by the movements within itself. It is existence contemplating its own essence, eternal and ever-present.

The beauty of Turiya is in its simplicity. It does not need complex metaphors to explain itself. It is felt as a continuous hum of being, beyond concepts, thoughts, and emotions—a recognition that everything, including the experiencer, is merely a reflection of the same undivided consciousness.

To experience Turiya is to see the eternal play of life from the perspective of the timeless. It is to understand that the very states we once believed to be separate—waking, dreaming, deep dreamless sleep—are all mere movements within the One.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Elusive Blind Spot of Enlightenment

A paradox begins to unfold from the moment consciousness takes form and you are born into this world. Enlightenment, often considered the pinnacle of spiritual realization, simultaneously becomes a blind spot. It’s not that enlightenment is absent; rather, it exists so close to you that it evades your direct perception. The act of becoming a being—separate from the whole—creates the veil obscuring what was never lost.

Most people search for this elusive state, hoping to grasp it through teachings, practices, and philosophies. Yet, the search itself can deepen the sense of separation, reinforcing the idea that enlightenment is something external to be found. But what if enlightenment was never something you needed to find? What if it was something you simply needed to stop resisting?

Human existence is an exquisite contradiction. On one hand, the moment you identify as an individual, you begin to experience duality—subject and object, self and other. On the other hand, this identification simultaneously masks the realization that you are already one with everything. Enlightenment is not an external destination; it is the underlying reality that permeates your existence.

The blind spot isn’t due to a lack of spiritual capacity or effort, but the mind’s incessant clinging to the notion of self. The moment you try to achieve enlightenment as a personal goal, it slips further away, like trying to catch a shadow. Perhaps the real journey is not about seeking, but about unlearning. The simplicity of just being, without striving, can often be the most profound realization of all.

What happens when you stop searching? What if you allow yourself to see that enlightenment is not a peak experience to attain, but the constant, ever-present background of awareness that you are, and always have been? This blind spot only remains as long as there is an effort to overcome it. Let go of that effort, and what reveals itself has been present all along—your original nature.

The key lies in the willingness to let go of the need for enlightenment, to surrender the very idea that you are separate from it. Only then does the blind spot dissolve, and the reality of your true self, free from all constructs, comes into clear view.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Mirror of Divinity

The Mutual Birth of Creator and Created

A profound realization dawns when one contemplates the relationship between the Creator and the created. This dance of existence, where the boundaries blur, offers a glimpse into the nature of reality itself. The moment you emerge into being, a reflection is cast—one that you recognize as God. But what is this reflection if not the birth of God within your awareness?

This notion challenges the conventional understanding of divinity. God is not a distant figure, separate and apart, but a presence that arises simultaneously with your consciousness. In the act of creation, both God and the self are born together, entwined in a relationship that defies traditional hierarchies. The creation of God is not an external event but an internal realization, a moment where you recognize the divine within and beyond.

This mutual emergence suggests a symbiotic relationship between the divine and the self. You are not a mere byproduct of divine creation; you are a co-creator in the truest sense. The divine essence within you reflects the infinite potential that exists in all things. When you awaken to this truth, the concept of God transforms from a distant, omnipotent being to an intimate, ever-present reality that is both within and beyond your grasp.

Such an understanding compels a re-examination of faith, spirituality, and existence itself. The divine is no longer an external authority but an intimate partner in the journey of life. This partnership demands a new kind of responsibility—a recognition that your thoughts, actions, and very presence shape the divine essence you perceive.

When you recognize this truth, every moment becomes a sacred act of co-creation. You are constantly shaping and being shaped by the divine, in a dance that is as eternal as it is immediate. This perspective invites a deeper connection with the world, one where every encounter, every experience, becomes a reflection of the divine interplay between creator and created.

The mutual birth of God and self invites you to explore the depths of your own divinity. It asks you to look beyond the surface of existence and recognize the profound interconnectedness that binds all things. By doing so, you step into your role as a co-creator, embracing the divine not as a distant figure, but as an ever-present reality that is born anew with every breath you take.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Unraveling of the Self

Emotional and Mental Breakdowns During Spiritual Awakening

Introduction

The journey toward spiritual awakening often appears, from the outside, as a serene and enlightened path. Yet, for those who walk it, the experience can be anything but peaceful. Emotional and mental breakdowns are common, and they serve a profound purpose. These breakdowns are not merely unfortunate side effects but are integral to the transformation that takes place during spiritual awakening. Understanding why and how they occur sheds light on the deeply transformative nature of this journey.

The Dissolution of the Ego

At the heart of spiritual awakening lies the dissolution of the ego, the part of us that identifies with our thoughts, emotions, and external identities. The ego forms a protective shell around our innermost being, creating a sense of separation from the world and others. As spiritual awakening progresses, this shell begins to crack and dissolve. The breakdowns that occur during this process are the ego’s desperate attempts to hold onto the illusions it has created.

Emotional turmoil arises as old wounds, suppressed fears, and unresolved traumas surface. These are not new experiences; they are fragments of our psyche that have been buried deep within. The awakening process brings them to the surface, demanding that they be acknowledged, felt, and released. This can manifest as intense sadness, anger, or anxiety, often without a clear trigger. The breakdowns are not a sign of failure but a necessary purging of what no longer serves the soul’s evolution.

Mental Deconstruction

Alongside the emotional upheaval, there is often a mental breakdown that accompanies spiritual awakening. Our minds are accustomed to operating within the framework of duality—right and wrong, good and bad, self and other. As awakening deepens, this framework begins to disintegrate, leading to confusion, disorientation, and a sense of losing touch with reality.

The mind, which has always sought control through understanding and categorizing, now faces the incomprehensible. Concepts that once provided a sense of stability and security—such as time, identity, and purpose—start to unravel. This can feel like madness, as the mind struggles to find footing in a reality that no longer adheres to the rules it once knew.

However, this mental breakdown is a gateway to a higher understanding. It forces the individual to let go of the need to intellectually grasp the vastness of existence and instead invites them to surrender to the mystery of being. What emerges from this surrender is a more expansive awareness that transcends the limitations of the thinking mind.

The Purpose Behind the Breakdown

The emotional and mental breakdowns during spiritual awakening serve a profound purpose. They are not signs of weakness or instability but are essential phases of the journey. These breakdowns break open the rigid structures of the ego and the mind, allowing the true self to emerge. The pain and confusion are catalysts for shedding the old, making way for a new way of being.

In essence, these breakdowns are acts of grace. They strip away the false layers of the self, revealing the underlying essence that is interconnected with all of existence. Through the process of breaking down, one is rebuilt on a foundation of truth, love, and unity.

Navigating the Breakdown

For those experiencing these breakdowns, it’s important to understand that they are temporary and purposeful. Practicing self-compassion and seeking support from others who understand the journey can be invaluable. Meditation, grounding practices, and connecting with nature can also help stabilize the experience. Above all, embracing the breakdown as part of the awakening process allows for a more graceful passage through these intense phases.

When to Seek Extra Support

These breakdowns are not obstacles for most individuals. But there are cases where mental illness could be a factor and needs to be identified and not mistaken for the awakening process. Extra support and seeking professional help in these cases may be needed. They should never be avoided or spiritually bypassed. In some cases, spiritual practices should be avoided altogether, especially if they exacerbate the symptoms or lead to further confusion and distress. Understanding the difference between a spiritual crisis and a mental health issue is crucial, as neglecting the latter can lead to unnecessary suffering and hinder the healing process.

Conclusion

Spiritual awakening is not a gentle process; it is a profound upheaval that shakes the very core of our being. The emotional and mental breakdowns that occur are not obstacles but necessary steps in the dissolution of the old self. By understanding and embracing these breakdowns, one can move through them with greater ease, allowing the transformation they bring to unfold fully. In the end, what emerges from the ashes of the breakdown is a self that is more authentic, whole, and deeply connected to the essence of life itself.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

From Curiosity to Self-Realization

The Path of Unveiling True Identity

Curiosity is a subtle yet potent force that nudges us toward self-discovery. It begins as an innocent desire to understand the world, to unravel the mysteries that surround us. Yet, beneath this surface, curiosity harbours a deeper, more profound impulse: the yearning to uncover the truth of our existence. This journey from mere inquisitiveness to the realization of who and what we truly are is a transformative process, one that dissolves the illusions of separation and reveals the boundless nature of consciousness.

At first, curiosity may lead us to explore the outer world and to seek knowledge in science, philosophy, and art. We investigate the principles that govern the cosmos, the nature of life, and the intricacies of the mind. Each question we ask, each answer we uncover, brings us closer to the edge of understanding. But there comes a point when the external search no longer satisfies. The answers we find, while intellectually stimulating, fail to quench the deeper thirst within us.

This is the moment when curiosity turns inward. We begin to question not just the world, but the very nature of the self. Who am I? What am I? These questions, so simple on the surface, carry within them the seeds of profound realization. As we delve into these inquiries, we start to unravel the layers of identity that we have constructed over a lifetime—roles, beliefs, memories, and emotions. We come to see that these layers while forming the fabric of our experience, do not define our true essence.

The deeper we inquire, the more we recognize the transient nature of these identities. We observe that the thoughts, emotions, and perceptions we once took as definitive of “self” are mere phenomena, arising and passing within the field of awareness. This awareness itself, however, remains unchanged, ever-present, and untouched by the fluctuations of experience. It is in this recognition that the first glimmers of self-realization emerge.

As curiosity continues to fuel our exploration, we begin to sense a shift. The realization dawns that what we are seeking is not an object or concept that can be grasped but the very subject of all experience—the pure awareness that is our true nature. This awareness is not separate from the world we once sought to understand; it is the ground of all being, the source from which all phenomena arise.

This realization is both a moment of profound insight and the beginning of a new way of being. No longer identified with the fleeting contents of experience, we come to rest in the boundless, formless presence that we truly are. This is the culmination of curiosity’s journey: the recognition that the seeker and the sought are one and the same.

In this state of realization, curiosity does not vanish. Instead, it transforms into a deep, abiding wonder at the mystery of existence itself. The world, once viewed as a collection of separate objects, is now seen as an expression of the same consciousness that we are. Every moment, every encounter becomes an opportunity to experience the infinite nature of our being. This is the ultimate gift of curiosity—the revelation of our true identity as pure awareness, beyond all concepts and distinctions.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith