Mysticism
“The Sea Siren” photo by Chris Nightengale
Mysticism. Definitions abound about this word from a quick google search : “belief that union with or absorption into the Deity or the absolute, or the spiritual apprehension of knowledge inaccessible to the intellect, may be attained through contemplation and self-surrender” & “belief characterized by self-delusion or dreamy confusion of thought, especially when based on the assumption of occult qualities or mysterious agencies.”
Mysticism to me is the practice of finding the depth of spirit/divine within reality. It’s seeking oneness through dissolution of ego, and studying the ancient spiritual modalities of alchemy, tantra, yoga, the tao, tarot, and more while exploring modern day mystics who contemplate reality and share their knowledge like Gabrielle Roth, Sally Kempton, Deepak Chopra, Margot Anand, and more. It’s a path of inquisitiveness I’ve felt the pull towards since I can remember - always reading about esoteric and mystical things, fantasy and sci-fi that weaves in deep philosophy with imagination. Loving the mystical feeling the young Gaea sometimes felt in church upon huge moments of singing or dancing (alone or in a congregation) where everything felt blissful and unified.
Honestly, I never thought mysticism was my path, having it painted as a ‘false god’ in my conservative Lutheran upbringing. Rituals, smoke, meditations, ecstatic dancing and practices, deep contemplation, and questioning… everything. Media portrayals of mystics draped in scarves and sequins, beads and appropriated garb with a smoke and mirrors schtick infused with opaque language and holier-than-thou approaches to interactions… I remember when I asked about direct connections to God, and how the dinosaurs fit into the Bible my teachers would have conniptions and tell me to leave the room without any explanation.
So, in high school I started experimenting with marajuana and loving the feelings of connection I felt - feeling actually closer to my sensuality, my divinity, my wholeness than I had ever felt in a pew bench with my head bowed. In college I consciously did psychedelics on my 19th birthday, and the universe blew open to me. I truly realized how everything, EVERYTHING was connected, and that love was the answer to … everything.
It was a profound mystical experience.
After that Dec 20, 2006 experience, I realized that my deepest desire was to explore the inner reaches of my own consciousness. So, I did. I learned A LOT on the dance floors of parties, in my garden, meditating in large groups, in intimate encounters with partners, biking, creating art, on performance stages, and exploring my own mind’s universe.
It’s been a real trip, and I’m in the midst of it now. It’s awakened me from the depths of suicide and depression - bringing a reason to be alive in the here and now. And I invite you into this journey with me, no matter where you’re at.
My teachings this month are based upon my own explorations from the past 15 years fusing movement, art, mysticism, spirit, and consciousness. Alchemy (which I felt we really needed much more time on last month, so I’ll bring it back) is extended into this month’s theme of Mysticism.
Awaken your Mystic
I ask you to contemplate and journal about the following:
What is your place in the universe? How do you ‘fit in’ ?
What is the ‘meaning of life’?
How do you, do you, create ritual in your everyday life?
Have you ever had a mystical experience, of any sort? If so, what did it reveal?
How do you see the divine intersecting in your everyday, or do you?
