Returning to the Self: A Journey through the Himalayas, Hypnotherapy, and Higher Consciousness at Shoolini University
Trekking through the Himalayan forest on the path to Shiv
Imagine a world where art, spirituality, and technology merge to create a portal of self-discovery, healing, and joy. This is the promise of Unlocking the Light Within, an upcoming musical play that is poised to captivate hearts around the globe. Billed as “the amazing journey of awakening your consciousness,” the play invites audiences on a profound adventure that is both entertaining and enlightening. At its core, Unlocking the Light Within tells a story of finding hope and light in the darkest of places—a story especially relevant in today’s world. With its world premiere slated for November 2025 in Jaipur, India, this production is more than just a theatrical event; it’s the launch of a worldwide movement for healing, empathy, and personal transformation.
Unlocking the Light Within, while seemingly a fantastical tale, is deeply rooted in the real emotional journeys we all experience. The play takes the audience on a magical voyage through darkness and light, following characters who grapple with their fears and “shadows” but ultimately discover the gifts hidden within them. According to the World Happiness Foundation (the creative force behind the project), the world of Meta Pets: Unlocking the Light Within is “a magical, musical play that takes audiences on a profound journey through their shadows, gifts, and essences, reconnecting them with their innate light.” In other words, the narrative guides viewers through challenges and doubts—the “shadow” parts of the self—and leads them toward healing and self-acceptance, symbolized by the light within. It’s an uplifting hero’s journey of the soul: as the characters awaken to their inner radiance, the audience is encouraged to reflect on their lives and emotions.
Crucially, the story isn’t just about personal growth but also about collective healing. The Meta Pets (more on them soon) are described as being “on a mission to transform the world from the inside-out.” As the characters in the play learn to overcome intolerance, fear, or grief, they also inspire empathy and understanding in those around them. Scene by scene, Unlocking the Light Within paints an allegorical picture of today’s global challenges—from social divisions to anxiety and disconnection—and shows a path forward through compassion and courage. By the final act, the stage brims with hope and connection, delivering a resounding message: no matter how dark the night, each of us carries a light inside capable of brightening the world. This message of hope and resilience is a balm for our times, positioning the play as not just entertainment but a tool for healing and unity in communities everywhere.
Every great journey needs a guide, and in Unlocking the Light Within, that role is filled by Felicia, a luminous mentor who leads both the characters and the audience through the story’s mystical world. Felicia’s presence is warm, playful, and wise—she is often the one who gently illuminates a character’s hidden pain or untapped potential, encouraging them (and us) to keep moving forward. From the very start, Felicia welcomes us into the adventure: “Join Felicia, our luminous guide, as she welcomes you into a magical journey of healing…” invites one introduction to the play. Through her guidance, we begin to see the stage not just as a physical setting but as a safe space for self-exploration.
The other stars of this musical universe are the Meta Pets themselves—imaginative creatures that personify the traits and lessons of the journey. The Meta Pets are described as “cosmic companions, born from the essence of our shadows and gifts.” Each Meta Pet is a unique blend of three different animals, creating a delightful chimera that represents different facets of the human spirit. For example, one Meta Pet might combine the courage of a lion, the wisdom of an owl, and the playfulness of a dolphin (each Meta Pet design is indeed an unexpected trio of animals). These colorful companions aren’t just there for visual spectacle—they each embody a theme or virtue that the characters must embrace. One Meta Pet might help a character face their fear, another might teach forgiveness, and another could spark their creativity. In the context of the story, they serve as mirrors to the characters’ souls: companions for healing, reminders of one’s light, and invitations to reconnect with one’s inner magic. As the audience, it’s hard not to fall in love with these charming guides—they might be fantastical in form, but their struggles and strengths are deeply familiar and human.
Through Felicia and the Meta Pets, the play’s cast of characters learns to navigate the landscape of their emotions. The characters include individuals of all ages and backgrounds (reflecting the diversity of the audience itself), each accompanied by a Meta Pet that resonates with their personal journey. This imaginative approach to character-building means viewers see aspects of themselves on stage—perhaps in the shy young character who finds courage with the help of a brave-hearted Meta Pet or the grieving character who finds peace through a compassionate Meta Pet’s song. In bringing these characters to life, Unlocking the Light Within creates an empowering reflection of the audience’s own potential: we are all, in a sense, characters capable of growth, guided by the wisdom within (and around) us.
No musical play would be complete without its songs, and Unlocking the Light Within promises a soundtrack that is as transformative as its story. The key musical elements of this production are crafted to evoke emotion, inspire participation, and reinforce the play’s themes of joy and unity. Expect a vibrant mix of rousing anthems, soulful ballads, and cross-cultural rhythms that together create an atmosphere of celebration and reflection. Each song in the show aligns with a step in the journey: from an opening number that sparks curiosity and wonder to soulful mid-act songs that bring tears and catharsis to a triumphant finale that has the whole audience singing about the light within their hearts.
One remarkable contribution to the musical score comes from artist Nilo del Monte, whose generosity has set an inspiring tone for the production. Nilo del Monte donated the rights to his uplifting song “Feliz” (Spanish for “Happy”) to the project, a gesture the team describes as adding “an enriched layer of joy and unity” to the cause. When this song rings out in the theater, it’s more than just a catchy tune—it’s a musical embodiment of the play’s mission: spreading happiness and bringing people together. Audience members might find themselves clapping, swaying, or even dancing in the aisles as Feliz and other lively numbers fill the venue with positive energy. The production also hints at blending innovative technology with music—one can imagine immersive soundscapes or interactive musical moments where the audience’s responses become part of the song. By merging traditional theatrical music with modern innovation, Unlocking the Light Within’s music becomes a bridge between cultures and generations, ensuring that whether you’re a child or a philanthropist, a seasoned theater lover or a first-time attendee, the melodies will speak to your soul.
Beyond the catchy tunes, the musical dimension of the play serves a deeper purpose: healing through harmony. Research has long shown the therapeutic power of music, and here each lyric and note is carefully designed to resonate with themes of empathy, forgiveness, and hope. When characters sing about overcoming their shadows or reaching out for help, the emotional honesty of those moments invites listeners to lower their own guards. In a time when many feel isolated or misunderstood, joining voices in a theater full of strangers to sing a chorus about unity can be incredibly powerful. Unlocking the Light Within leverages this power of music to turn its audience into a community, even if just for one night, united by a shared experience of joy.
Why is Unlocking the Light Within garnering such enthusiasm beyond the theater community? The play’s message resonates deeply with the current needs of our world. We live in an era of unprecedented challenges—a lingering pandemic aftermath, social and political polarization, mental health crises, and a sense of uncertainty about the future. In this climate, the play’s focus on global healing, empathy, and personal transformation is a timely antidote. It reminds us that healing begins within each individual and ripples outward to heal communities and societies.
The World Happiness Foundation, the organization behind the production, emphasizes that Unlocking the Light Within is “not just a play — it’s a portal.” What does that mean? In their words, this musical is “a groundbreaking theatrical experience that blends art, spirituality, and technology, sparking a global movement of healing.” The idea of a “portal” suggests that attending the play is meant to be a doorway to something larger—a shift in perspective, a moment of collective inspiration that continues long after the curtain falls. Just as a portal connects two realms, this play seeks to connect our daily lives with a higher vision of what humanity could be: more kind, more connected, more conscious.
The themes explored in the show—confronting one’s shadow to find the light—resonate strongly with contemporary movements in psychology and education that encourage self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Educators will appreciate how the story normalizes discussions of feelings and personal growth, making it a potentially excellent tool to spark conversations among students about mental well-being and empathy. Likewise, community leaders and philanthropists recognize in this play a unifying platform: it transcends language and cultural barriers by speaking in the universal languages of music and storytelling. When a diverse audience laughs, cries, and ultimately rises for a standing ovation together, that is a moment of unity so rare today, and it is profoundly healing. Unlocking the Light Within aims to create countless such moments across the world.
Perhaps most importantly, the play instills a sense of empowerment and hope. It shows that every day, people—not just superheroes or historical figures—can be agents of positive change simply by nurturing the light within themselves and each other. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, this message is a beacon. As one promotional phrase asks, “What’s your hidden light?”—this prompts each of us to reflect on how we might contribute to making the world brighter. This reflective, uplifting takeaway is what makes Unlocking the Light Within much more than a night at the theater; it becomes a conversation starter and a catalyst for change in any community it touches.
Mark your calendars: the world premiere of Unlocking the Light Within is set for November 2025 in Jaipur, India, and it promises to be nothing short of historic. Jaipur—often called the Pink City for its famous rose-colored architecture—will transform into a hub of happiness as it hosts this first-ever performance of the musical play. The choice of Jaipur is fitting; India’s rich cultural heritage of music and spirituality provides a vibrant backdrop for a show that marries art with more profound meaning. The premiere event is expected to draw not only theater enthusiasts but also global thought leaders, well-being advocates, and everyday people eager to be part of something uplifting. It will be the launchpad of the Meta Pets movement, a moment when years of creativity and planning finally meet an audience ready to be moved.
And yet, Jaipur is just the beginning. The creators have made it clear that their vision stretches far beyond one city. In fact, they proclaim that “Jaipur is just the beginning — Meta Pets is set to travel the world and inspire audiences everywhere.” Plans are already in motion to bring Unlocking the Light Within to stages on every continent, with subsequent productions envisaged for cities across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific—essentially, wherever there are communities open to embracing its message. Each new locale will host the play with its own local flavor, potentially incorporating local performers or cultural elements, and in doing so, spreading a ripple of joy and healing worldwide.
What makes this rollout truly special is its community-driven approach. Rather than a typical top-down commercial tour, the Meta Pets initiative invites co-creation with local partners at every stop. This could mean collaborating with a school in Kenya to have children’s choirs sing in a performance or working with a community theater in Brazil to infuse a samba rhythm into one of the songs. By doing so, the play becomes a living, evolving experience that belongs to everyone. It transforms from a single storyline into a tapestry of many voices and cultures, all harmonizing on the theme of unlocking our inner light. In a sense, the “world premiere” will happen again and again—in different languages and different styles—uniting a global audience through the same heartfelt narrative.
The global ambition of Unlocking the Light Within is grounded in a belief that storytelling and collective experiences can foster tangible change. Each performance in each city can serve as a catalyst for community bonding and dialogue. Imagine, for instance, a post-show workshop where audience members discuss how the play’s themes relate to local issues, or an initiative where a percentage of ticket proceeds in a city are directed to a local mental health charity. The creators are encouraging these kinds of synergies, ensuring the play’s impact is both immediate and lasting. In this way, the world tour of Unlocking the Light Within is not a mere series of shows—it is, in effect, a traveling festival of happiness and human connection.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Unlocking the Light Within is that it’s open for everyone to participate. The creators are actively seeking supporters from around the world to help bring this production to life in every city and community. This journey isn’t just about watching a play—it’s about joining a movement. Here are some ways individuals and organizations can get involved and co-create this experience locally:
Above all, getting involved means believing in and advocating for the play’s core idea: that through unity, creativity, and empathy, we can brighten the world. Whether you contribute financially, artistically, or simply with your positive energy, you become part of a global family committed to joy and understanding.
As Unlocking the Light Within takes its first steps on the world stage, it carries with it the hopes of thousands of dreamers, doers, and believers in a better future. This musical play is far more than the sum of its parts—the script, the songs, the colorful characters—it is a beacon. Its light beckons to anyone who has ever yearned for a more compassionate society or searched for meaning in a difficult time. In a divided world, it reminds us of our common humanity; in a hurried world, it invites us to pause and reflect; in a troubled world, it dares us to imagine healing and happiness on a global scale.
The journey to “unlock the light within” is both deeply personal and brilliantly collective. Each audience member may leave the theater having discovered something new about themselves—a spark of courage, a feeling of connection, an inspired idea—and when they carry that into their families and communities, the world indeed becomes a little brighter. The creators’ rallying cry is “Together, let’s unlock the hidden light—in Jaipur and across the world!” It’s an invitation to all of us to participate in this unfolding story.
With the lights dimming and the music of Unlocking the Light Within soaring, it becomes evident that this is not just a performance but the beginning of a heartfelt conversation that spans continents. The stage has been set, and the world is invited. Now is the time to step up, support, and sing along. By joining this creative endeavor, we aren’t just witnessing a musical; we are co-authors of a new chapter in the story of global unity and joy. In coming together to lift this play off the page and into each city, we take part in the very transformation it portrays. And as the curtain falls—in Jaipur, New York, Nairobi, São Paulo, Sydney, and beyond—we will see that the light we needed was within us all along, ready to shine and guide us toward a happier, more empathetic world.
Contribute to the play: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/world-happiness-foundation-inc/metapetsplay
By Luis Miguel Gallardo. Creator and Producer, and Rashi Bunny, Musical Play Director and Writer.
Join the global movement to awaken hearts and heal communities through the life-changing effects of art and joy with #UnlockingTheLightWithin, a visionary musical born from #MetaPetsMagic. Be part of a new cultural wave with #HealingThroughTheatre, #MusicalForChange, #HappinessOnStage, #EmpathyRevolution, and #GlobalHealing. Celebrate unity with #TheatreForWellbeing, #AwakenYourLight, and #StorytellingForPeace. From #JaipurPremiere2025 to your city, let’s co-create this journey with #ArtsForHappiness, #MetaPetsMusical, #LightUpTheWorld, and #CommunityTransformation. Support the mission with #FundTheLight, #SupportTheArts, and #SpreadTheJoy. Let your inner guide shine with #FeliciaTheGuide and #MetaPetsJourney. For educators, artists, and changemakers: #TheatreAsEducation, #EmotionalHealingPlay, #MusicalAlchemy, #CollectiveJoy, #SoulfulMusical, #WorldHappinessPlay, #FromShadowToLight, #TogetherWeShine, #ActivateYourGift, #SingForHope, and #HappytalismInAction.
Trekking through the Himalayan forest on the path to Shiv
As I arrived in India in early May to begin
By Luis Miguel Gallardo – Founder & President of the
