This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a Mindvalley spiritual summit—two full days of meditation, awakenings, Qi Gong, energy work, and so much more. One of the speakers who impacted me most was Shi Heng Yi, a Green Dragon Shaolin monk whose presence was powerful.
He spoke about simple yet profound truths: everything you need is already within you, and the path to any goal is paved with determination, commitment, and patience. He explained how martial artists choose a target and reach it through these three qualities—not by rushing, but by steady, disciplined practice.
Shi Heng Yi also reflected on how our modern society glorifies constant striving. We push to become better, faster, more productive—often forgetting the value of stillness and the art of simply being. He reminded us that in spiritual and energetic work, we can only give what we have. Peace must exist within us before we can offer peace to others. We must learn to manage ourselves before we attempt to manage anything—or anyone—else.
Another point that resonated deeply was his perspective on seeking spirituality outside ourselves. When we chase teachers, masters, or endless sources of new knowledge, what we seek seems to slip further away. True understanding doesn’t come from accumulation—it comes from inward exploration. It is the mastery of the self that unlocks deeper awareness.
These were the insights I carried away from his lecture: a renewed understanding that the journey is inward, and that self-mastery is the foundation for everything. His words grounded the unsettled feelings I’ve carried—those moments of wondering “Why am I still here?” or “What is my path?”. Instead of searching for answers outside myself, I feel gratitude for being exactly where I am, and a deeper appreciation for the path I’m already walking.
