Mysticism“WHAT THE HECK IS MYSTICISM?”
Being a mystic is like dipping your toes into the divine, it is the affective connection with the sacred. It can be more than a feeling though; it can be an ineffable knowing that comes into awareness, an experience of oneness with all, that has been waiting to be discovered. Mysticism threads through most faith traditions and sometimes awakens the non-believer. Carmelite Friar William McNamara says, “The mystic is not a special kind of person; every person is a special kind of mystic.” But some ask, is the mystical experience really possible for me?
Dorothy Day (1897-1980) is not generally considered a mystic but in 1925 on the beach of Staten Island she found herself at one with the holy. She recalled, “I was ‘born again by the wind of the Spirit,’ contemplating the beauty of the sea and the shore, wind and waves, the tides. The mighty and the minute, the storms and peace, wave and the wavelets of receding tides, sea gulls, and seaweed and shells, all gave testimony of a Creator…” Mysticism is open to you, to us, and indeed to all.
While we are not the initiator of the mystical experience, Jon Mundy teaches that this mystical experience can be nurtured or triggered by multiple occurrences. In his work he offers the most common triggers as being quiet prayer, meditation, music, art, grief, depression, pain, and even participation in sports. Additionally, mystical awakenings can occur without reason in the most unanticipated situations.
Both contemporary and historical mystics have offered great wisdom. St. Teresa of Avila taught that ‘God speaks to us consistently and touches us constantly.’ The awareness of this intimacy awakens us to the everyday relationship with the Divine. While we are consistently and constantly invited to see differently—to know the Divine’s loving presence, our human instincts and needs often interfere with this knowing. As Mundy suggests, quiet stillness can settle the interference.
Social Activist and Jewish Mystic Rabbi Joshua Heschel believed that we are surrounded by divine invitation, where divine love is always drawing us back to our primordial selves. Heschel believed we dwell on the edge of mystery and ignore it.
Sufi Islamic Mysticism inspires its followers not to worry about life or death… but to establish a relationship with Allah through love, prayers, and chanting. Sufi Mystic Rumi teaches, “Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you.” Sufi Poet Hafiz speaks to the anxiety and angst in today’s world, “Fear is the cheapest room in the house. I would like to see you living in better conditions.”
Preacher and spiritual mentor to Civil Rights leaders, Howard Thurman, defines mysticism as our response to a personal encounter with God within our own spirit -- an encounter that affects the quality of both our inner and outer lives.
Twentieth Century Indian Mystic and Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, does not present mysticism in an obscure way; his mysticism is practical, kind and elegant. Tagore doesn’t attach to a particular religion, for him any power that creates or illuminates the heart and mind is superior.
So, wherever you are, whatever your background, the Center for Contemporary Mysticism is here to be a place of sharing and growth into the mystical life. As stated on the tag line of our website, “we hope to provide a doorway to many paths.”
THANK YOU
We sincerely appreciate your interest in the Center. If you have any questions or suggestions for programs or speakers, please contact us at: info@contemporarymysticism.org.