Seeing the World as Energy: A Deep Conversation with Lee Carlson

In this episode of Spiritual Infinity, Zenzi Sewaah is joined by Lee Carlson, a Zen practitioner, author, and spiritual awakening coach based in Buffalo, New York. Lee shares his deeply human journey into spirituality, one shaped by early childhood sensitivity, intellectual curiosity, personal loss, divorce, and a life-altering traumatic brain injury.Lee reflects on his first awareness of spiritual presence as a child, his later discovery of Zen Buddhism through Peter Matthiessen’s book The Snow Leopard, and the long years of study that followed under Zen teachers in both New York and Florida. Along the way, he speaks candidly about the obstacles spiritual seekers face: fear of judgment, resistance from loved ones, self-doubt, and the internal question many ask themselves—“Am I going crazy?”A pivotal moment in the conversation centers on Lee’s powerful spiritual opening during a loving-kindness meditation, where his perception shifted and the world revealed itself as energy rather than form. Rather than dismissing the experience, his teacher helped him integrate it safely, reinforcing the importance of guidance, grounding, and community on the spiritual path.Drawing together Zen practice, Western neuroscience, and lived experience, Lee emphasizes that spirituality is not about escaping life, but about meeting it with presence, ethical awareness, and compassion. His work now focuses on supporting others through awakening, especially those navigating crisis, illness, or major life transitions by helping them find trustworthy teachers, supportive groups, and a path that resonates with their own inner truth.Closing ThoughtSpiritual awakening is not a solitary achievement; it is a relational journey shaped by teachers, community, and lived experience. When we learn to listen to the body, honour both light and shadow, and walk with humility, spirituality becomes not something we pursue but something we live.Reflection:Who or what is quietly guiding you toward deeper alignment right now?Guest Contact & Connection DetailsLee Carlson is a Zen practitioner, author, and spiritual teacher whose work bridges Zen Buddhism, neuroscience, and everyday life. He offers guidance for spiritual seekers through his writing, teaching, and community-based learning.Website: https://leecarlson.life(Signing up via the website provides access to a free 25-page guide on how to find a trustworthy spiritual teacher, along with study resources connected to his book.) Get full access to Zenzi’s Substack at zenzisewaah.substack.com/subscribe