Ep 111: Share Necessities with Arjuna O'Neal
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Ep 111: Share Necessities with Arjuna O'Neal
Episode 111: Show Notes
In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, we are going back to one of our favorite conversations from the past, in which the amazing and inspiring Arjuna O'Neal came on to talk about his incredible journey, and unlikely road to healing and helping others.
Arjuna talks about his early years in Detroit and West Virginia, his family's confusing connection to the Hare Krishna temple, the abuse he was subjected to while growing up, and how all of these traumas, coupled with his father's criminal mindset, led to him join the world of drug dealing before he left high school.
Unsurprisingly this resulted in him being involved in many dangerous situations, including having a bounty on his head and being shot by a girlfriend. It was during this near-death experience that Arjuna first truly experienced God and love, and began his journey to a new life.
Arjuna talks about the time he spent in jail, the trials he faced, and the important stepping stones that led to the amazing work he does today with Share Necessities and the Mind Elevation Project.
To catch it all, in a conversation so good that we had to run it back, join us today!
Key Points From This Episode:
Arjuna's childhood connection to the outdoors and nature.
The confusing Hare Krishna practices that Arjuna grew up with.
The roots of Arjuna's name from the Bhagavad Gita.
Moving between West Virginia and Detroit and the abuse that Arjuna and others experienced at the temple.
Reintegrating and adapting back into public schooling and the mainstream system.
How Arjuna balanced his family's cultural practices with neighborhood social expectations.
Life lessons and misleading connections that Arjuna's father imparted to him.
Some reflection on the mistrust that typified Arjuna's life in his younger years.
How trouble at home translated to problems at school for Arjuna.
Arjuna talks about the lack of foresight that defined his outlook for a long time.
The way in which Arjuna's father used fear and intimidation in all his relationships.
Arjuna's entry into the world of drug dealing and hustling.
The first big assignment that Arjuna's father gave him, and how it resulted in a bounty on his head.
The altercation that Arjuna had with a girlfriend that led to death threats and getting shot.
Transcending the pain of being shot, reaching a new level of consciousness, and the agreements that Arjuna made with God.
The limitless conception of love that Arjuna came to understand through his near-death experience.
Arjuna's road to recovery and self-improvement, and the time he spent learning in jail.
Finding his calling and founding Share Necessities.
The GoFundMe project that Arjuna undertook to open a healthy community center.
The growth of the center and how this led to the Mind Elevation project.
Arjuna reflects on what he might tell a younger version of himself.
Comments about the importance of family in living a successful life.
Tweetables:
“That trauma started for me before I even left the womb. Even before being born into the world.” — Arjuna O'Neal [0:05:59]
“I was cool as long as I was just outside. I didn't have to be gone anywhere, but just out in nature, in the trees.” — Arjuna O'Neal [0:06:20]
“When my mom met my dad, he portrayed himself to be a very spiritual-conscious guy, but she didn't know at the time, he was part of one of the biggest cartels in the city of Detroit.” — Arjuna O'Neal [0:17:28]
“I was a lone soldier. I didn’t trust anybody. It affected me years and years later, because I didn't trust anybody.” — Arjuna O'Neal [0:20:57]
“I was so angry inside, and so hurt that I would challenge any situation that could have taken me out.” — Arjuna O'Neal [0:52:52]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: