Between new shows (like The Agency), my husband and I often revisit old series we enjoyed but haven’t seen in awhile. Recently, we returned to Get Shorty, a dark comedy about Miles, a hitman-turned-Hollywood-producer. As with many meaningful pursuits, his journey includes highs and lows — the lowest being a stint back in prison, where he loses his producer credit on a passion project.

Season 3 begins with Miles’ release to a halfway house. He meditates regularly, rebuilds his relationship with his daughter, and finds a low-level industry job. It starts off as a surprisingly relatable comeback story. How often do we, too, have to start over after loss — of loved ones, jobs, health, or homes? Rebuilding after defeat is a universal experience.

This time around, I was struck by Miles’ meditation practice and wondered how it might support him in leading a more conscious life. He certainly demonstrated clarity of purpose — pursuing new projects, reconnecting with loved ones, and supporting an old friend. But (spoiler alert!) that same clarity also fueled darker pursuits: ordering a hit on a halfway house roommate and blackmailing his boss. His grand plan? To manipulate and ultimately kill his nemesis, a rather loathsome studio boss.

The series ends with ambiguity. Miles seems to “win” — landing an executive position and solidifying key relationships — but it’s clear he’ll always be looking over his shoulder. Life is still “lifey” (Leonardo DiCaprio, apparently, won’t be starring in one of his films).

Watching Miles, I was reminded of a recent talk by Tara Brach, who noted, “We can’t solve a problem with the same consciousness that created it.” Even with meditation, Miles couldn’t solve his deeper struggle (how to live a meaningful life of value) while clinging to his hitman mindset. And while we aren’t trying to “murder” our problems away (hopefully), the same holds true for us. True change requires a shift in consciousness — a broader, braver awareness that lets us see problems from a more spacious perspective.

Here’s to your seeking solutions from a more expansive and connected consciousness!