The Journey of the Mind

Beyond Ego’s Boundaries

Human consciousness, unbound by the constraints of ordinary thought, possesses an intrinsic ability to transcend the familiar territory of the ego. This journey to higher states unfolds as a delicate dance, one where the ego—the personality construct and guardian of perceived separateness—is bypassed, leaving room for profound shifts in awareness.

These elevated states of mind, accessible yet elusive, represent realms where the habitual identity fades into the background. Here, one finds insights that ripple with clarity, and a sense of unity that dissolves the divisions the ego so meticulously maintains. The journey to these states does not require the ego’s consent, nor can it be negotiated through the ego’s language. Instead, it is a surrender, a quiet movement beyond identity, like slipping into a vast ocean where the waves of self-constructed limitations fade.

The ego functions as a structure, defining and separating, fostering individual identity, and distinguishing between ‘self’ and ‘other.’ But, ironically, the very mechanisms that help navigate daily life can often restrict our capacity for profound insight. The ego’s grip can be like a thin film that obscures the brilliance beyond, drawing boundaries around our perceptions and experiences. However, consciousness itself possesses a deeper intelligence—one that intuitively senses these confines and seeks to transcend them.

Through this transcendence, higher states are realized: states where intuition, compassion, and expansive perception prevail. These states are not bound by logic or reason, nor are they controlled by the ego’s protective narratives. Instead, they blossom as expressions of something deeper, a truth beyond the rational mind. In these realms, individuals might experience spontaneous creativity, profound calm, or insights that cannot be traced back to ordinary patterns of thought.

This movement beyond ego can occur in many ways. Moments of silence, stillness, meditation, or even being fully absorbed in creative expression, allow us to slip beyond the ego’s hold. What emerges is a consciousness that witnesses without interference—a state of pure observation, where clarity dawns without the coloration of past experiences, conditioning, or future anxieties.

Ironically, in relinquishing the need to control or grasp, we find a more profound mastery. The mind, left to its natural course, attains heights the ego could never imagine. The ego tries to navigate life by holding on, defining, and categorizing, yet the higher mind finds meaning in spaciousness, in a form of understanding that defies containment.

This journey invites a letting go, not to become less, but to become whole. Every step taken without ego’s agenda becomes an invitation to experience life as it truly is—unfiltered, unfragmented, and undeniably interconnected. What emerges is a state of mind where one feels profoundly connected to all that is, free from the need to prove, to defend, or to possess.

In this light, our consciousness rises naturally to meet the deeper realms of existence, not as something earned or achieved but as something rediscovered—a return to our true nature, unburdened by the masks we have accumulated. The mind knows this path intuitively, flowing into these higher states with grace when we allow it to be free from the ego’s constraints. And in that freedom, a profound sense of peace, insight, and unity emerges, inviting us to live with a renewed sense of purpose, clarity, and wholeness.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Dark Nights, Bright Lights 

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

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

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

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

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

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Love as the Wildfire That Consumes All

Regardless of the situation or circumstance, love is the force that transforms. Allow it to spread like wildfire, engulfing everything in its path. Imagine every leaf of hate, every hardened trunk of resentment, and every twisted branch of fear ignited, consumed until only ash remains. The ash is not the end, but the beginning—a fertile soil for renewal, a space where new life can emerge, untouched by the old.

Hate feeds on division, growing thick like a forest of misunderstanding. Yet, fire—pure and unrelenting—brings everything to a singular state, where difference dissolves into unity. In the same way, love has the power to dismantle rigid identities and dissolve the illusions that separate us from others. When you love, you open yourself to the world without conditions. You stop trying to manage what is uncontrollable. You release the need to defend a fixed self and surrender to the flowing, infinite nature of life.

This kind of love requires courage. It demands the willingness to step into discomfort, embrace vulnerability, and face even the shadows within yourself. But as each branch of judgment burns, what is revealed is clarity—a vision unclouded by projection and bitterness. You begin to see the world not as a battleground but as a place of shared experience, where suffering and joy, growth and decay, are all part of the same unfolding.

When you allow love to spread, you release control over where it lands. It may touch those you least expect, and reach places long hidden from sight. It may even burn through your own assumptions about what love should look like. But that is its gift. Love, like wildfire, is indiscriminate—it cannot be contained by preference or limited by attachment. It moves with its own intelligence, revealing truths beyond what the mind can grasp.

In the aftermath, there is only stillness. The forest of illusions is reduced to ash, leaving behind the essence of what truly matters. From this stillness, new growth emerges—not the old recycled patterns of fear and separation but a fresh awareness grounded in presence and peace.

Let love be the fire that purifies and regenerates. Allow every layer of fear to ignite, every doubt to dissolve, and every sorrow to be consumed. Stand in the flames, trusting that what burns away is only what no longer serves. What remains, after all is said and done, is freedom.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Ultimate Love

The Force That Transcends All Boundaries

Love’s true essence is beyond comprehension, an omnipresent force so profound it erases the illusion of separation. It moves in dimensions beyond moral constructs, ideology, and identity. When fully realized, this love obliterates the ego and opens the heart so that even the most hardened souls cannot resist its call.

The human mind craves order, labelling people into categories—good, evil, victim, perpetrator. But ultimate love doesn’t comply with these distinctions. It meets each being at the core of their essence, beneath the conditioning and trauma that have shaped their actions. This kind of love can dismantle even the most fortified belief systems.

Imagine the inner world of someone consumed by hatred, caught in the web of fear, anger, and dogma. The walls around their heart seem impenetrable, yet ultimate love does not storm these walls; it dissolves them. It renders resistance futile by revealing what has been buried deep inside—a longing to belong, to be seen, and to be held in a space beyond judgment.

Ultimate love does not negotiate with the mind. It penetrates through the layers of identity, be it the identity of a saint or a sinner, revealing the same radiant essence beneath all masks. It leaves no room for pretense. This love cannot be owned, managed, or bargained with; it simply is.

Consider the most unimaginable scenario—a person shaped by the horrors of hatred, such as a Nazi, encountering the force of unconditional love. It is not a love that justifies or condones but one that sees beyond. That person’s history, belief system, and ideology would crumble under the weight of such grace. All that remains is a naked heart, laid bare in the presence of a force so magnificent it demands surrender. Not as punishment, but as liberation.

This love does not require forgiveness. It transcends it. Forgiveness suggests wrongdoing, but ultimate love offers a view where the need for forgiveness dissolves, revealing the underlying unity where all things are reconciled. When this love is encountered, tears flow not from shame, but from the relief of being released from the prison of the mind’s narratives.

This is the love that brings anyone, no matter how lost, to their knees—not out of fear, but in awe. It’s the moment when everything false melts away, and only the truth remains: the realization that there has never been separation, and love was the ground of all existence all along.

Ultimate love is not just the absence of hate; it is the luminous presence that absorbs even the darkest shadow, rendering it irrelevant. It is the undeniable force that brings every soul back to where it has always belonged—home.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Unconditional Surrender

Embracing the Final Letting Go

Unconditional surrender is not simply about relinquishing control over circumstances, desires, or attachments. It goes beyond the surface. This form of surrender requires the release of the very concept of surrender itself. It demands a level of vulnerability so profound that even the notion of letting go must be let go.

What happens when there’s no longer anything to hold on to? Nothing to release? This is where true transformation begins. In this space, we step outside the dualistic framework of control versus surrender and touch something far deeper, a level of being where no effort or resistance exists. We are often conditioned to think that surrender means losing, giving up, or sacrificing. But unconditional surrender is not a loss—it is the full embrace of existence without the filters of ego, fear, or the need to manage outcomes.

When one stands in this openness, fully exposed and defenceless, something extraordinary happens. You come face to face with the reality of all that is. Without the mind’s endless chatter and strategies, there’s nothing left but the raw, unfiltered truth. And in that truth, you find freedom—not in the way we might imagine, but in a way that defies all prior understanding.

In the vulnerability of surrender, we experience what it means to exist without resistance, without striving, without seeking. It’s not about achieving some spiritual milestone or reaching a perfect state of being. Instead, it’s about dissolving the layers of defence we’ve built, trusting that whatever remains is exactly what was meant to be.

This path is not for the faint-hearted. It requires courage to step beyond the boundaries of the self and to let go of everything we’ve ever known. Yet, paradoxically, it is only through this act of ultimate surrender that we come to experience true liberation.

I would like to thank my colleague, Prakash, for mentioning Unconditional Surrender during our The Seekers Mind Clubhouse debate and for inspiring this piece.

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

Embracing the Void

The Pathway to Spiritual Enlightenment

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

To Reach Beyond the Luminous

A Contemplation on Enlightenment and Distractions Along the Path

In our intrinsic pursuit of enlightenment, myriad entities, experiences, and spiritual phenomena often unveil themselves, presenting a paradoxical tapestry where understanding and distraction intertwine. When such entities or guides emerge along our path, they necessitate neither fixation nor rejection. For if they come, let them come, and if they decide to part, let them go. They are merely visitors, not permanent dwellers in our spiritual quest.

The venerable aphorism, “If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him,” underscores the necessity of liberating ourselves from attachments and anticipated experiences in our spiritual pursuit. For, anything that becomes an object, a tangible or conceptual entity in our path, is not the ultimate truth. Therein, even the luminous light, an experience that many consider synonymous with spiritual ascension, is merely an objective reality, one that still exists within the domain of duality and separation.

The spiritual path unfurls itself as a journey where psychic powers, or Siddhis, may develop. If they do, they are not to be clung to. Enlightenment is neither a culmination nor an accumulation of powers or experiences, but a transcendence that paradoxically both surpasses yet includes all phenomena. It is an unceasing journey toward non-duality, where there is no seer, no seen, and no seeing – only a unified, unblemished consciousness that permeates all.

Phenomena, be they seemingly mundane or extraordinarily mystical, are to be acknowledged, witnessed, and permitted to drift away without attachment or aversion. They are waves on the surface of the ocean of consciousness, significant in their momentary existence, yet ultimately rejoining the vast, undulating expanse from whence they came.

Our ego becomes the most subtle, pervasive, and potentially pernicious impediment in this spiritual journey. It distorts, distracts, and sometimes destructs, coaxing us into traps that appear as enlightening experiences. The seductive allure of these experiences has ensnared many seekers, captivating them in a web that is woven from the threads of spiritual materialism.

The aspiration is not to annihilate the senses but to transcend and include them, to experience them in their fullest, most vibrant expressions, and yet remain unbound by them. It is to dive deep into the very essence of existence until all dichotomies, dualities, and senses converge into a singular, unified experience where distinctions cease, and all that remains is the unbounded, immeasurable expanse of Being.

Hence, the spiritual path might be perceived not as an endeavour of attaining or achieving, but as a continuous unfolding of letting go, a perpetual surrender. For in this surrender, we do not become devoid or nihilistic, but rather, we open ourselves to the entirety of existence, unshielded and unbounded.

All is a dream within the mind of God, and you, the dreamer, are no distinct from the dream you conjure, for at the ultimate level of who and what you are, is even beyond the luminous, beyond objectivity. To witness without becoming witnessed, to experience without becoming experienced – this is the path to enlightenment, where letting go is the ultimate embrace.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Drugs, Mystical Experience, and the Value of Service

A Conversation with Linda & Michael Molina

First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Linda and Michael Molina for inviting me to share my insights and experiences on their esteemed platform. Our engaging conversation traversed through the realms of spirituality, the use of entheogens, and the profound journey toward self-realization. Here are some of the key points I discussed during our enlightening conversation:

Oneness and Surrender:

One of the pivotal aspects of spiritual growth I emphasized is the practice of surrender and the dissolution of the ego to attain a state of “Oneness” or non-dual awareness. This state transcends the dichotomy of self and other, immersing one into a boundless existence that is the true nature of reality. I posited that the various paths and narratives leading to Oneness are but creations of higher consciousness, serving as a script that guides us through the unfolding drama of self-discovery. The crux of the journey lies in surrendering and opening one’s heart to the myriad experiences that life presents, allowing the essence of Oneness to permeate our being.

Embracing Negative Experiences:

The path toward spiritual enlightenment is not always bathed in light. It often takes us through the dark alleys of our psyche, urging us to confront and embrace our shadows. I shared the importance of welcoming negative experiences or the “dark sides” as integral parts of the spiritual journey. These challenging phases, when navigated with awareness and acceptance, can catalyze profound growth and a deeper understanding of our true nature.

Advice for Spiritual Seekers:

The spiritual expedition is an endless voyage towards the heart of existence. I advised fellow seekers to persevere, even when they stumble upon beautiful or profound experiences. There’s always a deeper level of realization awaiting beyond the apparent zenith. Each step taken on this sacred path unveils a new horizon of understanding, urging us to delve deeper into the mystery of existence.

Philosophical Insight:

Reflecting on the nature of reality, I likened the stories and paths leading to spiritual realization to scripts in a movie, orchestrated by a higher consciousness. These scripts, while seemingly real and consequential, are mere narratives that help make sense of our journey towards Oneness. The ultimate truth lies beyond these scripts, in the boundless realm of pure consciousness where the illusion of separation dissolves, revealing the unadulterated essence of Oneness.

Our conversation was a deep dive into the essence of spirituality, the transformative potential of brainwave entrainment, entheogens, and the boundless journey toward self-realization. I am immensely grateful to Linda and Michael Molina for providing a platform to explore and share these profound truths. Through such enlightening exchanges, we inch closer to unravelling the mystic tapestry of existence and fostering a collective awakening to the inherent unity of all life.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Watch the episode “Drugs, Mystical Experience, and the Value of Service” below. For more on ESF, check out their channel at https://www.youtube.com/@EmergingSciences

The Unfolding Symphony

Embracing Life through an Open Heart

Introduction: In the grand theatre of existence, our hearts play a central role in the symphony of human experience. To navigate the depths of life’s mysteries, we must learn the art of keeping our hearts open. A profound approach to achieving this lies in the act of wholeheartedly accepting and embracing everything we encounter – the sights, sounds, scents, flavours, and textures – as intrinsic aspects of ourselves. This philosophical journey explores the transformative power of openness, inviting us to delve into the essence of existence and cultivate a profound connection with the world around us.

  1. Embracing the Multitude of Perspectives: To keep the heart open, we must acknowledge the multitude of perspectives that shape our reality. Each experience we encounter is coloured by our unique perceptions, and no two individuals experience the world in exactly the same way. By embracing the diversity of viewpoints, we unlock the potential for genuine empathy and understanding, fostering an inclusive and compassionate society.
  2. Surrendering to the Flow of Life: Life’s tapestry weaves an intricate pattern of joy and sorrow, triumph and defeat. Embracing an open heart requires us to surrender to the natural ebb and flow of existence without resistance. When we stop trying to control or manipulate life’s course, we find solace in the understanding that every experience is a teacher, guiding us towards growth and self-discovery.
  3. Liberating the Self from Ego: The ego often entangles our hearts in a web of desires, fears, and judgments. To truly embrace life as an extension of ourselves, we must transcend the ego’s limitations and recognize the interconnection between all living beings. Letting go of the attachment to the “self” allows us to dissolve the illusion of separateness and discover a profound sense of unity with the universe.
  4. Cultivating Radical Acceptance: Radical acceptance is the key to unlocking the transformative power of an open heart. By embracing everything we encounter – the pleasant and the challenging, the familiar and the unfamiliar – as essential aspects of our journey, we learn to dance gracefully with life’s ever-changing rhythms. Embracing all facets of existence deepens our capacity for resilience and enriches our human experience.
  5. Living with Gratitude: Gratitude is a sacred gateway that opens our hearts to the splendour of life. Embracing a sense of profound gratitude for each moment, we begin to see life’s wonders with fresh eyes and a receptive heart. Gratitude is the beacon that leads us to treasure even the seemingly mundane, unveiling the beauty hidden within the folds of everyday life.

Conclusion: Keeping the heart open is an ethereal quest that unravels the essence of our existence. By accepting and embracing every encounter, we transcend the boundaries of self and connect with the universal tapestry of life. Embracing diverse perspectives, surrendering to life’s flow, and liberating ourselves from the ego’s grasp elevate us to a higher plane of consciousness. Through radical acceptance and gratitude, we find profound meaning in the ordinary and glimpse the extraordinary in the ordinary. Let us embark on this philosophical journey, keeping our hearts open to the wonders that life has to offer, and savouring the grand symphony of existence in all its magnificence.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith