On today’s episode, we are gifted with the incredible story of Brian Hoyland, a man who has walked through unimaginable trials, only to emerge with profound spiritual wisdom. Brian Hoyland' journey is nothing short of remarkable, spanning from military service to near-death experiences and ultimately, a transformational encounter with the divine. As he recounts his extraordinary passage through life and death, the conversation takes us on a ride through love, hardship, and spiritual awakening that will leave you pondering the true nature of existence.From his early years in the military, Brian was drawn by a deep desire to protect and serve. He worked as a military police officer, driven by a love for his country and its people. However, his service came at a cost. Exposure to toxic chemicals led to a slow decline in his health, with autoimmune diseases gradually eating away at his organs, particularly his heart. Despite his declining health, he remained active, working as a counselor for veterans and later with inmates, always searching for ways to help others.In August 2016, he had his first heart failure event, and the following January, he died. What followed was not the end, but a beginning of an entirely different reality. As he recounts, “I felt my soul burst forth from my body, and I found myself in a dark void—a place without light or planets, but filled with a palpable, overwhelming love." This void, vast and silent, was a place of profound peace, yet it was not the final destination. Turning toward an immense light, Brian Hoyland experienced a moment that felt like returning home, immersed in a love more powerful than anything he had ever known.The conversation with Brian Hoyland takes a deeper dive into his encounter with the divine light, which he describes as “brighter than the sun” and infinite in its expanse. The light, he knew, was God, not through any audible words but by a deep, inner knowing. It was here that he felt fully seen, fully loved, not for the persona he had carried throughout life, but for the essence of who he truly was. This love was regenerating, continuously growing and never depleting—a love that felt eternal.As he stepped into the light, Brian recalls a sense of complete surrender to God’s will. "I was completely submissive to God, not because He demanded it, but because His love made me want to give everything in return." His encounter with the divine wasn't just a moment of personal redemption; it was a moment of universal connection. In the divine presence, he was surrounded by other beings of light, each reflecting God’s infinite love. Among them, he recognized Jesus, and though their communication was beyond words, the depth of their exchange was unmistakable.

SPIRITUAL TAKEAWAYS

1. Love is the foundation of everything. Brian learned that the love we experience here on Earth is but a shadow of the infinite love that awaits us in the divine presence. “God is love, and if I can return love by giving love here on Earth, then that’s what I’m going to do.”
2. Challenges are spiritual workouts. Just as our muscles grow through resistance, our souls grow through the challenges we face. Brian emphasized, “Our soul has to be tested, has to have a workout, and we are that workout for each other.”
3. Life is about giving preference to others. By allowing others to take precedence, we enhance relationships and grow spiritually. “If we don’t experience suffering for others, we don’t really know how to love them deeply.”

The story of Brian Hoyland reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone. The divine light is always present, waiting to embrace us with a love that is infinite and eternal. This conversation is a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges can lead to our deepest spiritual growth, and that love, in its purest form, is the essence of life and the universe itself.

Please enjoy my conversation with Brian Hoyland.