What on earth is mysticism anyway?

When one hears the term 'mysticism' it may conjure up a multitude of images. The wise village woman, versed in herbal lore. The lone monk meditating in a Himalayan cave. A druid or shaman of old who sees far beyond this world.

In truth, mysticism has had many definitions throughout the ages, so you'd be forgiven for not exactly being clear what it is. The word originally derives from ancient Greek, meaning 'an initiate'. Those branded as mystics were seen as having attained some deep connection with God or the divine, with access to profound insight and wisdom or able to enter expanded states of consciousness.

However, mysticism does not have to be extraordinary or other worldly. Mysticism is simply the ability to perceive ourselves and the world beyond the limitations of the physical senses. To walk the path of mystery. Embracing this path has the potential to transform - both yourself and the world around you.

Mysticism is very attainable

In our modern, fast paced, quick fix society, it's easy to become somewhat fixed in our behaviours. When we learn that a particular way of doing things gives us a good feeling, we repeat it. All well and good. However, the danger is that we identify more and more with that situation and become dependent on it, no longer trusting that other situations and ways of being can show us something deeper.

So we get into a 'seeking pleasure, avoiding pain' pattern.

However, I imagine that if you're reading this, you already have a taste of what it's like to step beyond that. You know, those moments that just feel right - like you're being effortlessly you. They feel life affirming, no matter if they're challenging and painful circumstances or joyful ones.

In order to get to know the mystical more, we simply have to embrace the unknown (the mystery). In simple terms, it's about giving more attention to the subtle intuitions, the finer feelings and complete acceptance of the mystery of the moment. In more complex spiritual terms, it's about becoming more aware of the higher chakras and their roles in the way that we perceive the world.

Can I be a mystic?

Of course! All it takes is to fall in love with the mystery.

To do that we have to give space to it, so that the subtler perceptions can be felt. Meditation, conscious walks (less chatting, more observing), interacting with trees and animals, reading sacred geometry, signs and synchronicity, giving more time to creativity and things that bring you joy.

Then, life begins to become more magical, more sacred. You begin to see everything around you as part of you - as being inter-connected. You start seeing the bigger picture of what's going on. You find gratitude in the little things, and also in the challenges. Most of all you find an unwavering inner peace, deeper than everyday emotional ups and downs. Because you know yourself to be so much more.