Sam Morris had a remarkable journey from being a transcontinental cycling trek leader to becoming a paraplegic and eventually transforming into a "Zen warrior." He grew up on an organic blueberry farm in Maine, where he developed a strong connection to nature and a fascination with existence. In college, Sam discovered the teachings of Buddhism and Zen focused on living in the present moment and letting go of attachments to the past and future. 

His life took a drastic turn in 1999 when, at the age of 24, he suffered a complete spinal cord injury after a car accident, becoming a paraplegic and facing immense physical and emotional challenges. He realized that the accident presented him with an opportunity to apply the principles of mindfulness in a way that most people never have to. 

Sam's journey included a deep exploration of his own identity, the power of neuroplasticity, and the transformation of his attitude and beliefs. Over time, he transitioned from a state of shock and trauma to using his experiences to help others facing metaphorical paralysis in their own lives.

Sam now coaches and mentors individuals, drawing upon his lived experiences and deep understanding of the human psyche and the power of adaptation. He believes that facing challenges head-on, without the possibility of escape, can lead to profound personal growth and transformation. Sam's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for personal growth and change in the face of adversity.

Show Notes:

00:00 - Intro

01:25 - Opening

02:59 - Sam's Early Journey 

14:09 - Letting Go of Attachments

18:34 - Facing Challenges & Accepting Change 

24:03 - The Flow State

31:26 - Staying Connected to the Flow

38:17 - Having Agency Over the Mind Activity 

45:14 - Experiencing Life Beyond the Mind 

48:23 - Self-Reliant Sense of Self

54:57 - Allowing The Present To Be As It Is

1:04:23 - Living Life Forward

1:16:24 - Small Consistent Steps Towards a New Self

1:31:37 - The Importance to Celebrate Yourself When Finishing a Job

1:33:50 - How To Connect With Sam Morris

1:34:27 - Wrap up

Next steps:

- Connect with Sam on LinkedIn

- Share your takeaways from this episode @OpportunityMade or 

#OpportunityMade on LinkedIn

- Send this podcast to your network as a first step in making new 

opportunities!

Social Links:

Sam’s LinkedIn

Sam’s Website