Mayim's Monday Motivation

Some stories are too important to look away from

Hey, all. It’s Monday!

Here at MBB, we are thrilled to create episodes that are enjoyable, informative, and thought-provoking. In just the past few months, we’ve brought you conversations with people channeling aliens (Bashar!), people who have died and come back to tell us what’s on the other side (NDEs!), and people with secrets of how to picture ourselves not alone in the Universe (Michio Kaku!). This week is no different – we have a conversation that is all of the things you come to MBB for, with a bit of a twist.

The twist is that it’s a hard topic. It’s critically important to face the spiritual and practical struggles our guest has faced. It challenges what many of us believe about what is “right,” what is “predestined,” and what is “supposed to be.”

Sometimes, when things challenge a hugely significant issue we believe we don’t ever need to think about – because someone else has to think about it – our instinct is to turn away. Even the most well-meaning among us often shy away from systemic societal problems, and I understand why.

The reason we wanted to do this episode is that, for many of us, the spiritual awakening we experience in the world can include an awakening to many of the things we turn away from… I wish there were an easy way to move through life and spiritually evolve so that it is an organic, flowing, beautiful experience. However, awakening also means awakening to things that are unpleasant, unsavory, and unbelievable.

Our hope is that this episode inspires you to see an example of personal growth, spiritual awakening, and the possibility for change, which applies to every single one of us. If you are so inclined, watch the documentary “The Alabama Solution,” which was nominated for an Academy Award this past year. Shaka recommended it to us, and I consider it the most moving and important documentary I have seen in my adult life.

Shaka Senghor spent almost 20 years in prison, including 7 in solitary confinement. He was judged and sentenced based on the worst day of his young life. After publishing his writing from behind bars, he continued to write and follow his dreams into a life outside of prison. He went from a life of being condemned to prison to being featured on Oprah Winfrey. He is sought after as a motivational speaker, and his expertise on resilience and criminal justice reform advocacy has transformed the world he came from and the one he believes we can all experience.

Shaka is a deeply sensitive, introspective, brilliant mind, and I implore you not to turn away from this episode and the lessons Shaka teaches us. As you go about your week, I’m curious if you find other places where you might want to look away - but choose not to.

Have a blessed week.

Mayim