Being an Everyday Mystic in a Modern World (A Mystic’s Manifesto)

Mystic: To be mysterious, otherworldly, spiritual. One whose practices belong to the realm that cannot be quantified or explained scientifically.

A true mystic participates fully in the “real” world, the physical world. A mystic is firmly rooted in the reality of life as it is, and neither tries to deny it or skew their perception of it. A mystic knows that the path to grace begins at acceptance, from which they can make decisions based on clarity, and take proper action for the highest good of all.

But…

The mystic knows that the “real” world is not just the physical; that there are things that cannot be seen, heard, or experienced with our physical senses that play a defining role in our everyday reality. The mystic chooses to participate in this place also, which is energetic in nature. Therefore, the mystic uses their intuitive awareness to guide them, and works with energy to take appropriate action.

As above, so below…

The “real” world – the Real World – is both. Our reality is both physical and energetic in nature, and we are all both physical and energetic beings, brought to life by Spirit.

The mystic chooses to have a deep connection with both. The mystic can use their heightened intuition and ability to work with energy to their advantage, for in understanding the energetic nature of things, their practical actions carry more power. However, the mystic is the first to know that they are not exempt from karmic law, and they consciously send energy into the world from a place of pure love and light.

The mystic chooses to be aware of, and to connect to, nature’s rhythms. Whether the mystic formally celebrates seasonal rites is irrelevant, for being a mystic is a way of thinking, rather than a way of acting. True participation happens in the heart.

The mystic knows that in the same way that the position of the Sun, Moon, and planets affects the Earth, so too do they affect everything on Earth, including ourselves. This is liberating, not binding, for the mystic is not a slave to their circumstances. Aligning with planetary energy is simply another tool for connecting with every living thing around them, and maintaining their humility in this vast, ever-expanding Universe.

The mystic knows that the most spiritual thing one can do is to participate fully in one’s life. God is in the details, and enlightenment can be found in the mundane. The mystic is beyond escapism – they knows that their physical body is the holy temple that houses their soul, and one cannot advance without the other.

The mystic knows, deep within their bones, that “there is more to life than this”, and seeks to embrace the spiritual lessons that are part of life’s ebb and flow.

The mystic listens to their heart and stands firm in their truth, even if their voice quivers as they speaks it.

The mystic feels a real, tangible connection to all living things – humans, animals, trees, plants, stones…

The mystic is a healer, that is, they heal themselves. They know that nobody else can heal them any more than another can breathe their breaths. The mystic trusts that they are always whole, and that they know what healing modality will suit them at any given time. The mystic does not engage in dogmatic turf wars, because they know that all healing, regardless of it’s external form, is an expression of God.

The mystic follows the guidance that comes from within. They are attuned to their emotional guidance system, and truly understand the meaning behind “following your bliss”…

The mystic knows that joy leads the way…

…And that the ultimate destination, from which we came and to which we shall return, is Love.