Light In The Darkest Places: The Justin Wren Story #295
Feb 10, 2021
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Former UFC fighter Justin Wren shares his inspiring journey of resilience, forgiveness, and humanitarian efforts in the Congo. From battling bullying to founding Fight For The Forgotten, he discusses overcoming self-destructive behavior, embracing vulnerability, and the transformative power of forgiveness. The podcast explores his mission of empowering African communities through clean water wells, sustainable initiatives, and impactful support in recovery, highlighting a remarkable journey of despair to gratitude.
Justin Wren's journey showcases resilience in overcoming bullying and self-hatred.
Encounter with Pygmy tribe reshapes perspective towards significance over success.
Witnessing joy in the face of immense suffering highlights human resilience.
Embracing interconnectedness and meaningful contributions to collective consciousness.
Miraculous survival leads to transformative shift from shame to gratitude.
Importance of vulnerability and community support in healing and growth.
Deep dives
A Vision Leading the Way to Purpose
The experience of a powerful vision led Justin and a group of companions on a transformative journey to Africa. The vision foretold encounters with the indigenous people known as the Pygmy people, highlighting the severely oppressed state in which they live. This powerful vision, manifesting in a real-life expedition to the heart of Africa, revealed a deeper purpose and connection to the world's collective consciousness.
Journey of Self-Discovery and Significance
The journey to Africa and interaction with the Pygmy tribe exposed Justin to a level of human suffering and joy that reshaped his perspective on life. The profound suffering he witnessed was humbling and showcased the boundless resilience and strength of the human spirit. This experience challenged him to embrace significance over mere success, pointing him towards a path of deeper impact and interconnectedness.
Confronting Human Suffering and Finding Joy
The contrast between immense human suffering and authentic joy within the Pygmy tribe left a lasting impact on Justin. Witnessing the depth of hardship endured by these marginalized communities transformed his understanding of resilience and the capacity for human connection. Despite monumental struggles, the tribe's ability to find joy through communal bonds resonated deeply and highlighted the importance of unity and shared experiences.
Embracing Collective Consciousness and Purpose
The journey to Africa and encounters with the Pygmy tribe underscored the interconnected nature of human existence and the role of collective consciousness in guiding individual purpose. Through profound experiences of suffering and joy, Justin's perspective shifted towards a deeper awareness of interconnectedness and the significance of meaningful contributions to the world around us. The expedition served as a poignant reminder of the importance of community, purpose, and embracing the path towards shared significance.
Surviving an Overdose
April 5th marks a pivotal day where the speaker attempted to end his life through a dangerous cocktail of drugs, including oxy 80 milligram pills and other substances, typically fatal doses. Miraculously, he woke up the next day, realizing the severity of his actions but also experiencing a profound sense of gratefulness as he connected with nature and the sunrise, leading to a transformative shift from shame to gratitude.
Lessons from a Harrowing Experience
Reflecting on the near-death experience, the speaker acknowledges the power of unseen forces and synchronicities that guided him through the darkest night of his life. Despite the initial shame and desperation, the unfolding sequence of events, from mistaken drugs to a captivating sunrise by the ocean, highlights the intricate web of support and intervention that ultimately saved his life.
The Journey to Healing and Community
Following the overdose episode, the speaker's journey toward healing and recovery includes a period of deep introspection and the realization of the significance of tribe and community. Through experiences in rehab and a newfound connection to a supportive collective like Aubrey Marcus' Fit for Service, he seeks to integrate the lessons learned into a life of purpose and significance.
Embracing Vulnerability and Seeking Connection
The speaker's narrative underscores the importance of vulnerability and genuine connection in overcoming personal struggles and finding a sense of belonging. By reaching out to Aubrey Marcus and expressing his need for community, he embarks on a path of healing and growth, recognizing the transformative power of shared experiences and supportive relationships.
Uplifting Moments with the Pygmy People and Insights on Purpose
Justin Ren reflects on his experiences with the pygmy people, emphasizing the importance of community and emotional support. He shares powerful moments of connection, like a child sharing peanuts, highlighting the value of generosity and unity despite challenging circumstances.
Transformation and Self-Love Journey in Sedona
In Sedona, Justin embarks on a breathwork session seeking self-love after struggles with suicide attempts. Through a profound vision reflecting his journey from darkness to light, he embraces self-love, healing past wounds, and accepting love from within.
Symbolic Healing Through Rituals and Tribes
Discussing the power of tribal rituals, Aubrey and Justin explore the significance of ceremonies like the Seven Directions prayer. They delve into the transformative impact of reconnecting with Earth, spirit, and heart, fostering unity, purpose, and radical love.
Building Hope Through Team Efforts and Impactful Initiatives
Justin shares initiatives in Uganda, including providing land, sustainable farming, and housing for the pygmy community. Through projects like wells and a football field, they foster unity, healing, and growth, creating a platform for peace through sports and community engagement.
Justin Wren was bullied relentlessly. He fought back to claim his place as a UFC Fighter, but the demons still haunted him. Self hatred, exclusion, self-sabotage. He made several attempts to end his life, but through a series of coincidences that can only be described as divinely orchestrated, his time was not done. As the founder of Fight For The Forgotten, he has dedicated much of his life to serving clean water to the Pygmy people in the Congo. And over this past year, he has become a pillar of the Fit For Service Fellowship. I’ve had the honor of watching his giant heart continue to expand, and this gem of a human continue to shine his light for the world.
