The Liberation of Personal Growth: Breaking Free from Old Patterns

"Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you've been thinking." Maya Angelou's powerful words set the tone for a deeply personal exploration of transformation, spirituality, and authentic living.

As I navigate my 40s, I've embarked on a journey to connect more deeply with myself both spiritually and physically. What began as nightly Bible readings has evolved into something more profound—a recognition that spirituality transcends rigid rules and represents a personal connection with the divine. This revelation prompted me to examine the relationship between spirituality and religion, inspired by Kenneth Wong's thought-provoking article outlining their differences.

While spirituality offers a personal, flexible path focused on present-moment awareness, religion provides community, structure, and shared traditions. Rather than viewing them as opposing forces, I've discovered the value in blending both approaches—honoring my individual spiritual journey while drawing wisdom from established traditions. This balanced perspective extends beyond spiritual matters, influencing how I approach personal wellness and daily habits. By hiring a personal trainer and breaking unhealthy cycles, I'm investing in meaningful changes that enhance my life rather than merely existing through it.

As spring breathes new life into the world around us, I challenge you to consider what you might be holding onto that no longer serves you—whether it's a limiting belief, an outdated mindset, or a draining habit. True liberation comes from evolving into your most authentic self, finding balance between who you are and who you aspire to be. What small shift might unlock your untapped potential? Your journey toward transformation begins now, with each step forward representing growth toward liberation.

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Transcript

Maya Angelou's Wisdom on Change

Speaker 1 0:05

Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you could not make a change, change the way you've been thinking. You might find a new solution. Maya Angelou hey there, everyone. It's Dre here, and welcome to another episode of Leo's Liberation. This is the place where we work to unlock our potential, learn to grow and transform into better versions of ourselves every single week. So, maya Angelou rest in peace was, I think, one of the greatest poets in my eyes. It's amazing how someone can be so blessed to make words run through you so deeply and those same words provoke actual thought and consideration about life. Rare gems, people. These people are rare gems. All right, now let's talk about change, real change.

Speaker 1 0:52

You know, many of us spend our weeks fighting through barriers and cutting through red tape in every aspect of our lives, whether you're working in the fry corner, hustling in the office or you're leading the team, no matter what our roles, friday is here, people, and that's a moment to celebrate our resilience and progress. So I love this day, all right. So over the past month, I'm, you know, I've been seriously working hard on connecting spiritually with myself, and you know I read a bit of the Bible every night, and I, you know I read it with an open mind. I'll admit I'm shocked that it took me this long to come around. I was once blinded, you know, by the rigid idea that spirituality equal to following a set of rules, specifically, you know, when you're thinking about the Bible. But what I've come to appreciate is that spirituality is kind of a personal journey. It really is. It's not like this massive group cult-like thing. It's just a personal journey where you're trying to connect with the higher being and yourself at the same time, and it's really about discovering your dark corners and brilliant light and learning who you truly are, beyond those labels.

My Spiritual Journey Begins

Speaker 1 2:03

So, you know, this leads me to a conversation that's been on my mind the contrast between spirituality and religion. You know you go on the internet. You never know what you're going to find. But you know you got to look because there's so much stuff out there and I kind of stumbled upon an article by Kenneth Wong. I think it was from April 2024, if I believe the date on that article was correct. I could pull it up, but I'm too lazy to do so. So, whether he um. I'm sorry, but this is where he pointed out about 10 differences between um the you know, two approaches of which are spirituality and religion, which I think are different, um, but I think they can definitely work hand in hand. So, while some of his observations, I think, resonated with me, others felt a bit one-sided, and here's kind of a brief rundown of those 10, um, those 10, uh differences that he kind of pointed out. Now, keep in mind, this article does lean a little bit more heavy towards the spirituality side, but it is what it is, um, I'm not really sure if it's like a conversion article or just basically speaking from a point of view of spirituality, but it seems to kind of dump on religion in general.

Spirituality vs. Religion Differences

Speaker 1 3:07

So, basically, number one was spiritual Spirituality is personal. I can agree there. It is your, your personal relationship with the God of your own understanding. So, basically, how do you perceive that relationship between you and whichever God it is you're worshiping? And religion is basically a group of people who worship the same God. So there's that structure. That's, you know, that's religion. It has structure, which some people need that to live. I mean, if you look at the world, we all function a little bit differently and there's different things that kind of keep us moving Sometimes. Structure is that one thing, so it's not to say that religion is bad because it's a group of people that worship the same God, um, or you know they share the same definition of a God, um, or they read the same, you know the same, uh, holy text, but that's. That's really no reason to say that it's any you know any extreme different, but you know that's their way of approaching it.

Speaker 1 3:58

Um, so spirituality is a solo journey and all of these actually start with spirituality is spirituality is a solo journey, um, this is number two. Um, basically it is a um. You know, everyone is on their own spiritual path, which I can agree with Um, but, as in a church, it's more of a group, community, collective kind of working towards the same goal, which is to worship Um. So number three spirituality is learned, not taught. Um, I can agree there, and I think that's kind of self-explanatory, where you know they're basically saying it's something that you discover, and I do heavily believe that. But then you know they said religion is something that is taught. Um, yes, of course I mean, that's why they have books and stuff, but you know, I think there's a book about everything nowadays, right? So, uh, spirituality is who you are, all right, spirituality is who you are. Alright, spirituality is who you are because, at the core, you are a spirit having a human experience. This is number four. Number four tends to be my favorite and number four is actually kind of like my universal number, I think Universal number, but number four basically saying that we are spirits having human experiences, and it kind of points at the same thing for religion, but it says it a little bit differently as to where religion is something that points towards who you are, but through religion you can discover the truth of who you are, which is a spirit having a human experience. So, either way, a spirit having a human experience sounds yeah, it sounds like you know, I'm here for it. So definitely something I want to experience.

Speaker 1 5:21

Number five spirituality embraces different perspectives. Religion only accepts one truth. Yeah, okay, um, so this is where this is where I kind of started to kind of sway away from what was going on here with this article. Um, one through four, great, I think everybody can probably agree on most of those things, uh, to some degree. But this is where it kind of turned into kind of somewhat of a bashing, in my opinion. But religion only accepts one truth, yeah, I guess. Um, but you know, uh. So spirituality embraces different perspectives. I think religion does as well. I think that's why you have that group there and they talk amongst one another, they discuss the Bible or whatever religion it is that they're actually into, and they discuss their perspectives on how they view and how they perceive what they've read and how they understand that. So I think that it does actually embrace different perspectives that are focused towards that one truth. But, yes, perspectives are allowed.

Speaker 1 6:22

Spirituality focused on the now. It's focused on being here in the now, where religion focuses on the future. Religion focuses on the future with the guarantee of gifts heaven, hell, things like that, not saying the hell's a gift, but it does focus on the future more. So you know, and how you spend your time here on Earth, kind of thing. But yeah, I think religion can focus in on the now. Yet again, I think that's where these two kind of combine. You kind of put them together. You know you make some magic happen. I don't think you can be so rigid when you, when you look at stuff like this.

Speaker 1 6:55

But number seven spirituality emphasizes feeling good. Now, this one kind of made me chuckle just a little bit. But spirituality is all about feeling good right now, because feeling good is feeling God. I can agree there. But then religion puts rules before feeling good. You are allowed to feel good, but only within certain parameters that are set out in its religious doctrines and holy texts.

Speaker 1 7:15

Okay, I disagree with this one because we are humans. Humans break rules all the time, we pervert things all the time. So I don't really think that. I think, maybe back in the day, maybe whatever movies, documentaries you may have seen, I think some religions, yes, are extreme, but in most cases, most religions, I think, understand that humans are humans. We break rules. That's just how we're designed Um and I, we, we break rules. That's just. That's just how we're designed.

Speaker 1 7:44

Um, you know and I think that there may be some of that you know who you are, that spirit having that human experience, kind of going off to be a free spirit for a second Um and just engaging in, you know, whatever, does feel good at that moment. Um, regardless of what it is. So um, spirituality does not judge Um, yeah, and religion judges anyone or anything that is against its teachings. Yet again, here we are, um kind of bashing the religion thing, but it is what it is. So I don't think that religion um judges everyone, um, they're taught not to. But the you know, yet again, that's people being people and breaking rules and doing things they shouldn't do, and I will say people who have a spiritual belief kind of pass judgment on folks too, but it is what it is.

Speaker 1 8:24

Spirituality means God is everywhere. Religion confines God to heaven, temple and shrines Me personally. So when I look at like five through 10, I'm starting to think this is where this person's personal experiences are coming into the article. I put my own personal experiences in each podcast that I release, but you can definitely tell there's a, there's a personal touch to this. And that was number nine, that God is everywhere. Number 10. Finally, spirituality can peacefully coexist with religion, but religion cannot coexist, does not tolerate spirituality. That contradicts its doctrine. I will disagree with you heavily there as to where.

Finding Balance Between Traditions

Speaker 1 8:59

If you look at practitioners of hoodoo, they actually practice both. They are members of the church, they attend, but you know their practice basically is to heal people of the church. So shaman, if you will to some extent, but you got to look at it that way. So the churches do accept certain things, but it all depends on that church and I guess who you know the community is within that church as to what, or religion as to what they're willing to accept. So, yeah, can't really beat it down. So, in a nutshell, basically, spirituality is an intimate personal connection with the divine or whichever divine being it is that you worship and or you know that you're trying to connect with, and whatever that, whatever that means for you, it's your own unique journey, with no hard and fast rules blocking your path. However, religion, by contrast, is often presented as a collective practice, a framework where everything is predefined, a single truth prescribed by tradition or text. Okay, so in spirituality, I think the emphasis is on being in the now, celebrating the present moment, because it's already perfect, in a sense, I guess whatever. But you know, with religion, the focus tends to be on what comes next, a future reward or a place in a defined afterlife.

Personal Transformation Challenge

Speaker 1 10:07

Folks, this is kind of the journey I've been taking lately as far as trying to learn this stuff and figure it out, and it's been fun learning a lot of stuff. Just, you know different, different viewpoints, basically here in my 40s now. So for me, you know different viewpoints, basically here in my 40s now. So for me, you know, the truth lies somewhere in between, I'm working on blending a deep personal spirituality with the grounding insights of the age-old traditions that they offer. But you know, I've been walking this road for a long time and even now I continue learning and sometimes the lessons are hard, but they're always worth it, in my opinion. So, you know, some of you folks may be asking Dre, how does this fit into the quote for this Friday? Okay, well, I'll tell you.

Speaker 1 10:45

Uh, a few personal changes, Um, you know they've shaped my life, uh, my daily life at least. You know I've started connecting with myself, um, or I'm starting to start connecting more of my physical self. Yes, I hired a personal trainer to help me kind of reach some of my long held fitness goals, and I know, I know what it, what it's like to kind of fall into patterns that may not always serve us. You know the endless cycle of partying, or you know, or simply trying to escape the pressures of life. Yeah, that you know that that just wasn't working out, you know, um, so basically, uh, you know all, because of trying to figure out where I fit into, you know kind of have my place in the world.

Speaker 1 11:27

Don't get me wrong, it's not about fitting in, it's about being comfortable with where I am in life and just um, you know, not just saying it but actually living it. So you know, right now I'm a little bit more calmer, handle situations a little bit differently, or at least you know I'm definitely working consciously towards doing that. You know I love more Um. I will, you know, say that and I definitely genuinely try to do good um in the world. Not saying that I didn't before, but you know, I think now it's it's kind of there and it's just how I think my lenses are working right now, in my eyes, at least in my mind. But putting that energy into taking care of my body feels like a true investment, a commitment to living a fulfilling life rather than just existing, you know. But you know whether it costs a little a little more, requires a little extra effort.

Speaker 1 12:11

I believe that the real change, that kind of matters, it's worth every cent and every minute. So you know, that's what brings me to the challenge for this weekend. Actually, yes, challenges for the weekend. They are back and they are still here. Actually, I guess I can't say they're back, but anyway.

Speaker 1 12:26

So you know, kind of as spring like breathes new life into the world, I want you to think about something in your life. You know that you might have clung on to for too long a habit, a belief, a routine, and I want you to ask yourself is it time to shed that old skin, whether it's a mindset that no longer serves or a deeply ingrained habit holding you back. Take a risk, you know. Challenge yourself to try something different, to embrace the fresh perspective and to let go of what no longer makes you feel alive. You know, sometimes just the smallest shift can unlock a whole reservoir of potential you never knew existed. So remember, change isn't just about fitting into a mold. It's about evolving and growing, which is what we're all about here. So it's about finding that balance between you Excuse me, finding that balance between who you are and you know who you aspire to be, even if the journey isn't laid out in a neat predetermined um path or in predetermined steps. So, um, you know, as you, uh, you know, as we wrap up today's episode, you know I want to remind you that every day offers a fresh start. You know, today, right now, is your opportunity to begin a transformation that will lead to a brighter, more authentic life, and I believe in the power of change, and I hope you do too.

Closing Thoughts and Social Media

Speaker 1 13:44

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking, rating or leaving a comment wherever you listen to your podcast. Your support doesn't just boost the show. It helps us spread the word of transformation and liberation to more people who need that spark of hope. This isn't about money, guys. I'm not here to get rich. I'm not even here to get paid. I just want to share something positive with everyone else, or anyone that will listen at least, so you know. You can always connect with me on social media leosliberationbuzzsproutcom, leoliberated on Facebook, leo underscore liberated on X and leos underscore liberation on Instagram, and thank you for being a part of this journey. Let's commit to change, However gradual, gradual or bold, because in truth, every step forward is a step towards liberation. I'm Dre signing off from today's episode of Leo's liberation. Take care of yourselves, love one another and keep believing in the transformative power of change. Until next time, live boldly and have a wonderful weekend and a safe one. Talk to you guys on monday, thank you.