One Thursday over lunch, John and I were talking about our personal theologies. It was an unfamiliar feeling, discussing theology with someone else. I was new to ChI, and it felt somewhat risky for me to share such personal thoughts. What if John did not get what I was saying? What if he laughed... out loud?
I shared about my meditation practice and the process of connecting directly with the Divine during these deep sessions. When I paused to sense John’s reaction, he said, “Doug, that is so mystical. You are such a mystic.”
Well, I about fell out of my chair! He did not laugh. He seemed sincere. I realized I that was heard, and that he understood things about me that I had not understood about myself.
Without knowing it John gave me something to explore: What does it mean to be a mystic?
Soon I discovered there were many things mystical—Mystical Spirituality, Mystical Experience, Mystical Practice, Mystical Path, and Mystical Being. But still I did not realize what this "mystical" aspect was all about.
Here is what I learned: Mystical spirituality is based upon the belief that there is a spiritual realm inhabited by a Higher Power. This realm lies within each of us. The ultimate goal of existence is to establish a strong personal relationship with this Higher Power.
The meaning and purpose of one's life can only be found through a conscious relationship with this Higher Power, who reveals information through pathways not available to our ordinary senses and intelligence. This is a sacred adventure, one which is personal to each of us.
It is my desire to be a mystical being, to live connected to this realm every day of my life. So far I have only been successful a few moments at a time. Reading poems by Hafiz and Rumi, I am transported to this inner realm and am inspired to continuously seek constant connection with my specific definition of the Higher Power: the Divine. I seek to deepen my experience of life, while attuning to my soul’s instinctive desire to surrender all—except the Divine.
In the poem, The Vintage Man, Hafiz writes:
"The difference between a good artist and a great one is:
The novice will often lay down his tool or brush
Then pick up an invisible club on the mind’s table
And helplessly smash the easels and jade.
Whereas the vintage man no longer hurts himself or anyone
And keeps on sculpting Light."
I believe that each of us is a mystical being, and that we are each on a distinctive mystical path that is ours alone. The purpose of mystical practice is to experience oneness, to achieve a larger identity and re-identify with the All That Is. Although each of you may not consider yourself a mystic, my belief is that you are a mystic as long as you are searching for more understanding and meaning in your religious or spiritual self, as well as in your mystical practice.
Hafiz wrote another poem entitled "Two Giant Fat People":
"God and I have become
Like two giant fat people
Living in a tiny boat.
We keep bumping into each other
And laughing."
That sums up how I feel. When I experience my direct connection with the Divine—that mystical union which brings me so much joy—I laugh.
I must say a big 'Thank You' to John for setting me on this path of discovery of myself and of the mystical being that I am.
May you all be blessed to live on a tiny boat.
