FRIDAYTHOUGHTS #301: THE GATEWAY DRUG TO REPROGRAMMING YOUR MIND

I was talking to one of my students recently, and the topic of meditation came up. It took me back to 2015, when I traveled to Nonsan, South Korea, for a meditation retreat. Now, the meditation itself? Powerful. Life-changing, even. But the overall experience at the space? Let’s just say it wasn’t all roses. Still, that’s not the point.

The point is—meditation was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Even though I don’t meditate in the traditional, sit-still-on-a-cushion way anymore, I still stand by what I told my student: meditation can be a gateway drug to self-mastery. Once you start meditating in any form—really start—you unlock a hunger for more. You begin asking questions. You dive into books about the mind. You learn about the subconscious vs. the conscious mind. You start speaking affirmations, visualizing your goals, and becoming aware of what’s driving you.

And that’s when the shift begins.

Because here’s the truth: inner work changes everything.

Once you get a taste of your own growth—when your discipline sharpens, your self-love deepens, your mindset expands—it becomes the most addictive thing in the world. Better than any high you’ll find out there. The most addictive drug? Progress. Progress in you.

But here’s the flip side: as your vibration rises, as your light grows stronger, it won’t sit well with everyone.

Why?

Because we live in a spiritual world—spirit first, physical second. And some people are carrying energies, wounds, and yes, even demons, that your light will disturb. Your elevation will make them uncomfortable. Their shadows will resist your glow. That’s just how it works.

So as you walk this beautiful, sometimes painful path of self-discovery and healing, remember this: protect your energy. Guard it like your life depends on it—because it does.

You’re not the same anymore. You can’t move like you used to. People, places, and situations will fall away, and it might not make sense to those around you. That’s okay. It’s not supposed to make sense to everyone. It’s not personal—it’s spiritual.

If this resonates, it’s because you’ve already started your journey. Keep going/growing. The work you’re doing on yourself? It’s creating ripple effects you can’t even see yet.

We need the most healed/greates version of you.

Do the inner work. Do the outer work.

And never stop giving us the gift of you.