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Preview: WHAT IS A MYSTIC?
We live in an unusual
time, a time when spiritual seekers sit side by side with politicians
and business people. Often they are one in the same. Some find solace
in traditional religion while others embrace concepts of the New Age.
Yet there are many who cannot find harmony with their current path.
For those who still search for a spiritual path that resonates with
their soul, this is an invitation to explore the possibilities of a
practical mysticism grounded in everyday life.
To begin, it is important to redefine what a mystic in our modern day
truly looks like. Though Webster’s dictionary may have its own
definition, for the sake of clarity, I want to present an alternative
definition for those of us striving to live a meaningful and conscious
life.
A mystic is anyone who believes in the unseen world, who believes
there is something greater than what meets the eye in this world, and
who desires to understand it. A mystic is one who believes that
everything happens for a reason, and that there is an organizing
intelligence behind all that occurs. A mystic is one who uses both the
logic of the mind and the intuition of the soul to make decisions
about how to live life. A mystic does not have to be religious or
belong to any religious sect.
There are many ways to practice mysticism in outer behavior. The
unifying factor is the belief in a greater existence beyond the
physical world. In America alone, we have mystics in science and
physics, in biotech labs and computer software companies. We have
mystics in synagogues, churches, mosques and temples everywhere. But
as we all know, just showing up at one of those places does not a
mystic make.
Although an individual may choose a particular mystical tradition to
study, practical mysticism affirms that no one tradition is better
than another. The fundamentals of practical mysticism dictate that
this decision is made by the truth
of the soul. If one chooses a path based on coercion or the beliefs of
others, there is a betrayal of the soul at the highest level. If one
takes on a path that is deeply felt as the truth of the heart, then
this path can never be wrong. A true mystic will always allow for
their own personal truth as well as that of another, even if it is
“different.” A true mystic knows that these differences are only on
the outer level and that they disappear as we approach our core or
inner levels. As one person may prefer the color purple and another,
green, individual souls have tastes and preferences in the path of
their spirit. It is essential to honor these qualities and allow space
and permission for the discovery of the best home for the soul.
For a mystic, actions are imperative in the world. A mystic believes
that every action has a ripple effect across the universe, that right
action can heal a person, a family, a nation or a planet, though only
within the timing and will of the Creator. A mystic knows that no act
of kindness is lost, though its benefits may take years to reap. And a
mystic knows that even thoughts can affect change, that the mind is
the creator, and as we think, so shall it be.
Although the use of labels can be limiting, we need language to
communicate. Within my own journey, I have walked through the mystical
paths of Christianity (A Course in Miracles and Alice Bailey’s
teachings), Islam (Sufism), Hindu (the Yogic tradition), Tantra and
the mystical path of Judaism (the Kabbalah). If I were asked today
what my spiritual path is, I would say that I am a Jewish Kabbalist
who loves and appreciates Sufism. This would probably raise the
protests of many purists in the world. And there is absolutely a place
for pure mystical teachings. Many souls
are purely of one resonance. But others of us live in many worlds. The
time has come for each of us to find our own path, our own tradition
that works within the perfection of our unique soul. We must create a
safe vessel and find like-minded community which can also tolerate
differences in outer expression. Just because I prefer purple and you
prefer green, does not mean we cannot share a meal together, or dance
or even pray our individual prayers together. It does not mean that
purple is better than green or green is better than purple. It also
does not mean we must combine purple and green into one watered-down
amalgam of tradition. The differences are as important as the
similarities.
This is the essence of mysticism—living practically and responsibly in
the world; having an abundant life and mastery of the physical realm,
while honoring the unseen worlds and the Divine intelligence behind it
all; honoring all paths as leading to the same place, none higher than
the other except on a personal resonance level; being willing to
explore the hidden energies and unconscious drives that make up our
human struggles and suffering, while being willing to embrace them in
their original intent to help us; remaining self-responsible for the
results in our life; being willing to courageously examine the truth
of our heart and act on it even when faced with the displeasure and
misunderstanding of other people; trusting in the greater good of all
things and the wisdom of the voice of truth inside, willing to ride
the currents of life as they lead us to the next step along the path.
Whether you wear a robe or a business suit, whether you eat vegetables
or buffalo wings, the inner landscape is what defines a mystic.
Regardless of religion, practice, profession or culture, mysticism is
about what is on the inside and the reflection of that in daily
lifestyle, words and deeds. The rest is personal preference.
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