The Mystical Sphere of Spiritual Life

Nothing fulfills the spiritual quest as resoundingly as mystical experience -- especially God-communion, mysticism's sweetest fruit. Mystic realizations, such as constant feeling-awareness of the cosmic unity of life, or deep ongoing alignment with the indwelling Divine presence, are esteemed in virtually all spiritual traditions as signs of spiritual enlightenment. No wonder, then, that mystic pursuit is so highly prized among spiritual seekers.

The mystic advantage

 Many people might consider mystics to be misfits in the workaday world. Little do they know! Mystics enjoy many life-usable advantages over their more mundane-minded fellows.

 To mystics, life is One. And to them, Oneness is a first-hand experience -- not just a philosophic belief. It is their OBSERVATION that the medium of pure Being connects all of Life to Itself.

 This direct perception of Unity explains why all advanced souls, of any religion, tend to be benign, non-violent, and compassionate. Their compassion isn't a learned behavior, or a philosophy based on religious indoctrination. It isn't even a result of well-honed skills of mental discipline and self-control. True compassion arises out of the mystics' authentic -- experiential -- realization of cosmic truths, subtle UNIVERSAL realities of Life.

 More than any mere "believer," mystics acknowledge and respect the Unity of life and its corollary, the law of karma: "As you sow, so shall you reap," or, if you prefer, "What goes around, comes around." Surely, the awareness of Life Unity naturally promotes considerate, sensitive, peaceable living. Their Unity consciousness also makes it relatively easy for true mystics to follow these lofty prescriptions: "Love thy neighbor as thyself," and "Whatsoever ye do unto the least of these, ye do also unto Me."

 But the mystic advantage doesn't end there.

 The mystic also benefits by making good use of a host of causative factors which are generally considered to be subtle. For example, mystics naturally recognize the awesome, even instant impact of thoughts, assumptions, and attitudes. "As a man thinketh, so is he."

 Most mystics have unusually high motivation to take responsibility on the more subtle levels because of their strong desire for intimacy with God. After all, when the Beloved is all-knowing, just cleaning up our outward behavior -- word and deed -- while leaving our thoughts MESSY is obviously insufficient! When you also figure into the equation the fact that God is in everyone, you can see why mystics have much better than average social attitudes, too!

 Every mystic knows that harmony starts in the mind; indeed, every PERSON knows that. But, mystics maintain far greater vigilance against inner negativity in all its forms. They strive to create a very clean and attractive INNER environment for themselves, for God -- indeed for all of life. Progressively, they gain and maintain improved mastery over subtle levels of causation, as the superficial control of WORD and DEED matures into the responsible discipline of THOUGHT, ATTITUDE, and BELIEF, as well.

 In a "peace talk," a worldly diplomat might think nothing of taking an accusatory, even belligerent tone -- even though such attitudes can only alienate other participants. That shortsighted diplomat might actually feel surprised, even victimized, by the poor results of expressing his sincere but off-putting views. Yet no Self-respecting mystic would be surprised at such an outcome; and surely, no Self-respecting mystic would take such an injurious, self-defeating approach to peacemaking.

 Many of us resemble that hapless diplomat, in that we too tend to place insufficient emphasis on subtle levels of causation. And our results are just as disappointing. For example, our logic invariably backfires when we ignore emotional realities while pointing to physical symbols: "Didn't I always work and bring home the money?" "Of course I love you -- I married you, didn't I?" It works no better to defend ourselves by quoting exactly what we SAID -- when in fact our attitude, not our words, was problematical.

 At our own expense, we ignore invisible-but-powerful causative factors in our lives -- such as intention, attitude, belief, interpretation, etc. That disregard undermines our practical efforts and limits our spiritual progress. Meanwhile, by keeping an eye on what's truly important, mystics sail on smoother waters.

 Let's take a hint from the mystic! Why should we be satisfied to simply aim for minimum levels of social acceptability -- adjusting our actions and watching our words -- while leaving our inner intentions and orientations at dangerously low levels? Wouldn't we do better to follow the mystics' example, and deep-clean our minds and hearts? A more deeply peaceable orientation, mindful of the Unity of life, cannot fail to confer tremendous spiritual advantage all around. Steering by spiritual principle may be better than steering by mortal rules; but mystic vision is the best guide of all!

 Benefits of mystic experience

1.

 2.


3.

 4.

 5.

 6.

 Higher energy

 Higher consciousness

Higher perspective / Brighter presumptions
Greater clarity / Improved discernment

Deeper understanding

 Healthy space

 Higher identification / Higher tone

 Divine revelation and guidance (higher intelligence)

1. Higher energy

 Albert Einstein saw one of the great truths of the universe when he noted that matter and light are forms of ENERGY. Energy plays a key role in God's creation -- and propels the mystic adventure too. Through mystic practices, subtle energy can be raised, and energy-raising rarifies being -- much as water rarifies when it changes to steam by boiling. When human vibratory energy reaches its spiritual "boiling point," consciousness itself changes state. The change allows us to perceive mystic realities that otherwise remain invisible to us.

 Most of the other benefits of mystic experience listed below are direct effects of higher energy.

For further reading on the topic of energy-raising and transformation, see the article Transformation: It CAN Work

2. Higher consciousness

 Higher consciousness is what we experience when raised energy illuminates our minds, brightening all our thoughts and perceptions, and allowing us to more easily tune to the higher frequencies of Divine thought and energy. In fact, we human beings are sensitive to mystic realities only when our consciousness is sufficiently high.

 Higher consciousness itself represents the ultimate goal of the mystic quest. REAL soul fulfillment is founded on abiding illumination -- not on fleeting spiritual experiences, such as raptures or visions. In this respect, elevated consciousness is definitely where It's at!

 Higher consciousness brings with it many wonderful benefits. It gives us a higher perspective, brighter presumptions, greater clarity, and improved discernment.

 Higher perspective. In real estate sales, a favorite mantra is, "Location, location, location!" The spiritual equivalent is, "Perspective, perspective, perspective!"

Spiritual traditions recommend gaining higher ground or spiritual "elevation" in order to see life from a higher perspective. Common spatial metaphors aptly describe the fact that spiritual "ascent" expands our mental vistas, the same way that climbing to a higher vantage point expands our visual scope.

Mystic heights show us panoramic views that can be seen nowhere else. Just as we must fly over the landscape to see all the meanderings of a river, or the full extent of a flood, only from the perspective of higher consciousness can we clearly see and rightly understand certain larger patterns and meanings of life.

 We don't need to be spiritually advanced to be familiar with this principle in operation. For example, whenever we take a walk to get over feeling upset, we are intuitively seeking "higher ground." As we leave an upsetting situation, our minds repeat the same concern, over and over. But by the time we count to ten and begin to relax, our spirits begin to rise. It doesn't take long before we're able to see clear over concerns that, just minutes before, had totally blocked our vision! Then at last, we can see the other person's point of view -- or think of a constructive response. Thanks to a small elevation in mood! Mystical experience provides a similar elevation boost -- but TEN TIMES higher!

 Brighter presumptions. Our presumptions form our fundamental beliefs and expectations about reality. They can even determine our actual EXPERIENCE of reality, because we tend to interpret all experience in ways that reflect and reinforce our existing presumptions. For example, being turned down for a date might justify one man's negative presumptions -- "I knew it! I'm just a loser." But a similar rejection might leave another man's positive views intact: "That girl obviously doesn't know a good thing when she sees it. I'll find someone who does!" With respect to the self-fulfilling power of presumptions, it has been said, "You can get past anything but your presumptions." Indeed, it is often more accurate to say, "I'll see it when I believe it," than, "I'll believe it when I see it."

While experience cannot force our presumptions to change, they do shift automatically as our state of consciousness rises or falls. As everyone knows, different perspectives yield different presumptions about practically everything (ourselves, others, life, God, etc.). When we're depressed, we tend to expect -- that is, PRESUME -- the worst: "I'll never fall in love again!" "It's impossible for me to lose weight!" "I won't get that job; I may as well not even try." But in a high state of mind, we are more likely to subscribe to positive beliefs, such as, "Where there's a will, there's a way."

The best way to improve our presumptions is to uplevel our consciousness. And because lower presumptions can so powerfully limit us, the effect of higher consciousness on all areas of life is tremendously LIBERATING. Mystic practices serve our liberation by providing required the rise in consciousness.

 Greater clarity. The energy increase and higher consciousness resulting from effective mystic practice improves clarity in a much better way than morning coffee. To understand why, we must recognize the important distinction between grosser and subtler energies. Increases in vital energy make us more physically alert and alive, but don't necessarily affect life in positive and lasting ways. When our consciousness is low, excess vital energy could easily be invested in arguing, or even in turbo-charged negativity -- making everyone around wish we weren't quite so energized!

Fortunately, mystic experience raises energy in both quantity AND quality. And obviously, although both ways are beneficial, qualitative enhancement is more essential for spiritual advancement. The special vibrancy of higher consciousness provides a refined form of clarity that contributes greatly to well-being. It gives us certainty about what is truly important in life, foresight into where trend lines are headed, and insights that solve or prevent problems. No matter what Madison Avenue claims, coffee CANNOT do that!

Note too, how quickly clarity disappears when we lower our state by dramatizing negative intentions, bad attitudes, and unethical orientations. For example, a woman may be happy and clear in the morning, but if, in the afternoon, she unfairly blames a coworker for a mistake she herself made, she'll feel darker and thicker -- and relatively clueless -- the rest of the day.

Improved discernment. Greater clarity means improved discernment -- increased ability to make finer, more accurate distinctions.

 Discernment is a crucial function in life. Werner Erhardt said, "We fail if we fail to make enough distinctions." Certainly, many marriages have failed for that reason! For example, a woman may be stubbornly convinced that she loves her husband, but how OFTEN is she REALLY loving to him? She may take both her love and her husband dangerously for granted. Unless she truly appreciates the difference between the THEORY of love and the PRACTICE of love, that woman is not likely to ACTUALLY love her husband enough to hold their marriage together.

 Everyone must make many distinctions in order to lead a truly productive and fulfilling life. It is NEVER enough to say, "That was a good experience," or "That was a bad experience." Invariably, every experience has good and bad aspects.

 WHAT was good or bad about it? And in what way? If we cannot distinguish what worked from what did not work about an event or circumstance, we cannot reliably repeat good results, avoid bad ones, or create better experiences in the future.

3. Deeper understanding

 Deeper understanding results from higher consciousness. When our consciousness is raised, we see the whole world differently. Things we never noticed before are suddenly obvious to us; things we never understood before finally make sense.

 The reverse is also true: We may have a flash of insight when our consciousness is temporarily elevated. But if we fail to write the insight down, we may completely forget it within minutes. And more to the point, even if we do write it down, our new understanding may lose much of its significance to us after our consciousness returns to previous levels.

 Higher consciousness brings deeper understanding. It unlocks our intuitive awareness of higher truth. Our ability to directly perceive and correctly interpret Divine reality belongs to our spiritual nature. We lose access to it, however, when we rely too heavily on the lower mind thought processes which dominate ordinary levels of vibrancy and consciousness. As our state rises, higher mind knowing naturally re-asserts itself like the sun peeking through clouds. Higher consciousness simply rekindles our God-given bright mind.

For more information about the relationship between the lower mind and the higher mind, read the article The Dawning of Higher Mind.

 For more information about the relationship between our level of consciousness and our understanding, read the article Energy and Understanding: The Real Secret of Learning and Growth.


4. Healthy space

 Healthy space -- detachment -- is sometimes pictured as cold or clinical, but it's nothing of the kind. In many cases, the coldness we associate with "detachment" actually comes from excessive attachment. Consider how frosty it feels when overly attached people "play it cool" to protect their feelings. Consider the chill of "studied indifference." Those forms of "detachment" are reactive dramatizations that represent the very OPPOSITE of real space. Real space is not cold; it is warm. And it is absolutely essential to harmonious living.

We need space for mental and emotional health -- for overall well-being. And there's more: in spiritual practice, healthy detachment expands far beyond soundness of mind and spirit, into truly ecstatic boundlessness and unlimited freedom. It allows spirit to soar into the spiritual skies!

Mystic practice is a time-honored space machine -- the very best obtainable. We gain healthy space when we briefly withdraw from worldly concerns to pray, meditate, or practice other spiritual disciplines. We gain an even more durable and versatile form of space by practicing such spiritual qualities as compassion and forgiveness in daily life. That kind of inner discipline earns us blessed, welcome distance from our lower, reactive patterns.

But when we resist bringing a spiritual orientation into life, our reactive patterns can easily get the upper hand. Then we find ourselves seeking refuge in unhealthy forms of space.

Unhealthy forms of space

 a. Running away. People sometimes reactively exclaim, "I can't take this -- I have to get out of here!" People's conclusions about what they "can" and "cannot" take may be realistic, or just plain cowardly -- or, in some cases, may reflect a real limitation they developed BECAUSE of cowardice.

We maximize our capacities when we take a courageous and persevering attitude. Unfortunately, more people err on the side of self-stifling timidity than on the side of invigorating bravery. You can easily verify this statistic by imagining a world in which everyone embraced challenges with relish. Quite different from the world we know, isn't it? How much we've all lost by playing it too safe!

 b. Avoidance. Everyone needs solitude at times. And we all have a right to assert our needs when someone leans on us too much. But sometimes a "need" for more space expresses a preference to distance ourselves from situations we find difficult. For example, a man may leave his family because he finds marital obligations unpleasant. A child may suddenly fall ill on the day of a test. These forms of avoidance cater to our weaknesses, and only perpetuate and increase them.

 c. Indifference/giving up. Unhealthy space can also come from indifference or giving up. People who prefer pets to people, or who give up on the opposite sex, have a certain space -- an emptiness around their hearts! We can only pity the people who say things like, "The more I learn about men, the more I appreciate cats." Clearly, reactively isolating ourselves in a spirit of social skepticism is no way to have an ABUNDANT and fulfilling life.

 d. Forcible exile/banishment. And what about the space people get when their spouse throws them out of the house? Unwanted spaces like that affect people quite oppositely from healthy space. The refugees feel crunched, not expanded; desperate, not peaceful.

The trouble is, the perspective afforded by unhealthy forms of space is gloomy, and indeed, oppressively SMALL. The world may seem far away, but how useful is the distance we've gained? Although unhealthy space gives us the chance to evaluate and re-evaluate, when we're down in the dumps, our judgments and conclusions are not likely to be too bright.

 So, we should value not just any old space, but only the healthy space that gives us bright and broad perspective. Similarly, we shouldn't value just any old detachment, coming from any old cause. In fact, detachment created by aversion, avoidance, giving up, or indifference is not detachment at all -- it is, instead, a negative iteration of attachment. It is the hate side, if you will, of an excessively attached love-hate relationship. Unhealthy withdrawal hurts rather than helps our performance in the other spheres of spiritual life.

 There may at times be a fine line between healthy retreat for rejuvenation, and reactive running away. But surely, heart and soul can tell the difference. Healthy space proves constructive in its effects, and self-limiting in its duration. It culminates in a renewed desire to re-engage life and other people. Unhealthy space feels compensatory, not constructive, and actually reduces our enthusiasm for returning to closeness.

 The world's most useful space: space from our own mental negativity

 We often define space as "getting away from people or situations that bring us down or stress us out." We say, "I need relief from this person's bad influence." "I need a break from all the trouble that life brings to me, and creates all around me."

 It is certainly true that we occasionally need such relief in order to restore health and build strength. That is a primary function of space. But the irritants we leave behind may not account for all -- or even MOST -- of our distress. MOST of our distress comes from our own minds. Therefore, the kind of space that is MOST valuable is space from OUR OWN PATTERNS of NEGATIVE REACTION to people and life.

 We often get confused about that, thinking that getting away from THEM (other people) or IT (the world, life, etc.) holds the real key to recovery. In fact, the only REAL and lasting relief comes from taking in hand our own thought patterns, reactions, beliefs, etc. Meditation CAN help, as long as we remember WHERE most of our problems originate! But any mental peace we taste in meditation can be stabilized only by a combination of mental and physical discipline in daily life activities.

 5. Higher identification/higher tone

 Higher identification. Who would believe a medical researcher who claimed to have found a single cure for every physical disease, from heart attack to the common cold? Yet there IS a common cause -- and a common cure -- for virtually all of mankind's spiritual ills.

 What is this "miracle cure" that can chop down confusion, indecision, powerlessness, low self esteem, self hatred, fear, envy, defensiveness, and the rest -- all in a single stroke? REDUCE EGO-IDENTIFICATION. This precious antidote can be procured by intrepid explorers of mystical heights.

 Who would doubt that excessive ego identification is THE bane of human existence? Excessive ego identification causes problems not just in spiritual life, but indeed everywhere -- at work, in intimacy, and even in play. Ego clouds the mind with doubt, negativity, and confusion, making even the most rudimentary problems virtually insoluble, and obstructing evolutionary progress. Consequently, a real reduction in ego-identification yields gains not only in what is called spiritual life, but in virtually EVERY area of life.

 How can ego-identification produce such a wide variety of negative effects? The mechanism of the "disease" is simple but devastating: Ego-identification attacks well-being by leaving us no space relative to OURSELVES (or at least, what we consider to be ourselves -- our self-images, our opinions, our feelings, our reactions, our desires, etc.).

 It's common knowledge that people have little or no space when it comes to themselves. We suffer it all the time: Without the objectivity of space, we're impatient with ourselves; we give up much too easily; we worry obsessively about our shortcomings; we beat ourselves up for errors we might readily forgive in others. And how tragic, that we can often help somebody else with a problem that we can't seem to solve for ourselves! As if that wasn't bad enough, our ego-identification also blinds us to our own true beauty -- the very beauty we so clearly see and appreciate in our friends. All of these symptoms arise because WE have too little space from OURSELVES.

 Meanwhile, the ego LOVES to distinguish "self" from "other." Consequently, it grants us TREMENDOUS space when it comes to most "others" (with the possible exception, of course, of relationships with which we are strongly ego-identified -- people we're romantically attracted to, people we envy, or people in whom we recognize too many of our own bad habits!). Because we generally have so much space from OTHERS, we can potentially be of great help to our friends, offering them an undistorted view of their problems, calm persistence in solving those problems, and an undaunted attitude toward setbacks. And we can easily see past THEIR problems and admire THEIR inner beauty, THEIR strength of character, THEIR uniqueness, THEIR worthiness, etc. -- again, all because we have space!

 Ego identification is what makes our attitudes towards ourselves and our friends so DIFFERENT. In fact, we can test HOW ego-identified we are, by looking at exactly how different those attitudes ARE.

 Now look what ego-identification and lack of space does when it infects our relationships: It makes us demanding, fearful, and self-protective. We become thick and insensitive. We become dishonest or uncommunicative. And, we become prone to hide. As ego-identified people, we hide by withdrawing from relationship, or simply withdrawing WITHIN relationship. To the extent that we unplug from others, from life, and from God, our energy level plummets. Pretty soon, we're depressed and confused.

 Now you can see why so many different human problems actually do share the same cure -- REDUCE EGO-IDENTIFICATION! In order to live and love freely, we must reduce ego-identification as much as possible. Sustained mystic practice helps us do exactly that. By giving us brighter consciousness, higher perspective -- and yes, more space -- mystical experience changes our lives in fundamental and revolutionary ways.

 There is a good reason why mystic realization is often called "Self-realization." The most essential benefit of mystic practice is this: It changes the way we view OURSELVES. Mystic upliftment shifts self-identification away from body/lower-mind ego modes, towards greater social affinity and spirit identification. The change in self-identification is the most potent of all the effects of spiritual practice. That, in itself, works to remedy ALL the spiritual ills known to man.

 Higher tone. Composers make full use of the various moods of the different musical scales -- some brighter, some darker. Similarly, the scale of human Beingness has an astounding range of keys. How well we choose and play the notes at our disposal defines the quality of our presence and the influence we have on the world around us.

 Just as the tone of a musical note depends on its rate of vibration, our own "tone" depends on the vibratory level of our thoughts and actions. High thoughts and intentions, such as happiness, goodwill, love, joy, optimism, and faith, vibrate at high frequencies. That's why they lift people up. Negative thoughts and lower intentions, such as unhappiness, fear, doubt, resentment, anger, sorrow, and despair, vibrate at low frequencies. When we entertain those, we bring ourselves and others down. Because mystic experience so directly uplifts our vibratory energy, our presumptions, and our self-identification, the mystic sphere EXCELS at elevating tone.

 Tone never lies. Just as we can't hold back the tone of a bell from ringing forth after it is struck, we can't successfully fake a high tone when our consciousness is low. And it is important to realize that high tone is not simply a matter of increasing energy and intensity. The laws of physics dictate that a guitar string will sound higher when the energy of its vibration goes up. But a human being can just as easily be intensely negative as intensely positive. So we must take care to not only raise our energy, but also to tune our minds to higher, more Godly thoughts. Fortunately, mystic practice usually does both at once, taking advantage of the close relationship between QUALITY of thought and QUANTITY of energy.

 Because of that relationship, intense negativity is a self-limiting experience. Low-toned thinking is so compressive that before long it squashes our intensity and leaves us flat. On the other hand, cosmic law allows intensity to naturally increase -- practically without limit -- when it comes to higher, positive thought. This wonderful characteristic of high-toned thought and action is a powerful ally of the Universe forces for good.

 6. Divine revelation and guidance (higher intelligence)

 Formal mystical practices and esoteric mystical experiences constitute only PART of the mystic aspect of spiritual life. The OTHER part -- and perhaps the greatest mystical experience of all -- is the still small voice.

 What this mystical voice brings to the life of spirit is incalculable. The still small voice is the Divine companion within, providing loving inspirations and Godly wisdom -- virtually moment by moment, and as needed.

For more information on the value and purposes of the still small voice, read these articles:

 How the Still Small Voice Works

 Why Obey the Still Small Voice

 How to Use Your Spiritual Power and Influence

Knowing and doing God's will is ultimately a matter of learning to hear and obey the still small voice. All of us have natural talent for this, but many of us are convinced that we don't, perhaps because:

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 b.


 c.



 d.

We don't recognize the inner voice; and/or

 We dismiss our lofty insights and uplifting inspirations as illogical or too risky; and/or

 We've suffered bad results from following egoic whims, while construing those whims as Divine guidance; and/or

 We drown out our inner voice with overly busy minds and excessive attachment to our own private plans/desires.

Fortunately, with enough desire and enough practice, all of these errors are correctable. You may find invaluable insight into how to better recognize and obey the still small voice from the following articles:

Taking Divine Direction

 Consider the Source: Egoic Urges or Divine Promptings

 Doubt vs. the Still Small Voice

Becoming intimate with the still small voice is crucial for mystic devotees. We noted at the beginning of this article that stable mystical realization is a universally accepted measure of enlightenment. Although it is less flashy than other mystical experiences, the ability to continuously hear -- and the willingness to consistently follow -- the voice of inner Divine guidance is by far the single most important form of mystic realization. Without it, human beings are more or less mired in the struggles of an egoically determined life -- and NOTHING we can do can really improve the ego's track record! Ego must simply, someday, be conclusively voted out of power. In that inner revolution, the still small voice becomes our only compass, and the will of God becomes our only purpose. THAT is true enlightenment.

For more reading on this subject, see the articles:

 The Right Direction: Divine Direction

 The Evolution of Love from Personal to Cosmic

The pursuit of mystic experience

There is no question that the bliss of peak mystic moments far outshines everyday experience -- and makes our mundane problems seem small (or at least smaller!). Consequently, most people who've been to the mystic mountain -- and almost every person has had at least one or two close encounters with it -- feels tempted to chuck ordinary life and head for the nearest cave or monastery!

 For practical reasons alone, few of us can abandon all "worldy" ties. But more importantly, the lifestyle of mystic seclusion truly suits very few people. The vast majority of us NEED the stabilizing structure provided by work, pragmatic responsibilities, and social relationships. For us, the time to drop out and tune in is best grabbed in small chunks -- for instance, before breakfast, before dinner, and before bed.

 When integrated into life in bite-sized pieces, mystic pursuit fits into anyone's schedule. That's truly fortunate, because the mystic sphere of spiritual life offers many wonderful benefits that every child of God deserves to enjoy!

For more reading on mystic pursuit, see the article:

 On the Mystic Trail

Benefit of the mystic in a nutshell

 The beauty of the mystic sphere is how a touch of God changes EVERYTHING. Every area of life benefits directly and immediately. Surely, then, mystical pursuit greatly enriches all the other spheres of spiritual life -- wisdom, practical, and social. In the remaining three articles directly associated with the mystical sphere, we describe the hows and "wise" of these benefits in detail.


What the Mystical Sphere Contributes to the Practical Sphere


It is said, "Success is ten percent inspiration and ninety percent perspiration." That formula beautifully describes one collaboration between the mystical and the practical. When our spirit is ablaze with inspiration, laziness and indifference go up in smoke -- and we become really WILLING to sweat for our dreams! And when mystic power blesses our labors, beauty is born.

Higher mind inspiration is high-octane fuel that helps propel us to greater success in our everyday lives. By bestowing higher energy, elevated consciousness, spiritual self-identification, and Divine connection, the mystic muse adds superhuman strength to human will, and expands creative vision.

 But our pragmatic success owes more than that to the mystic. Each of the six primary benefits of the mystical sphere has specific, valuable relevance to human endeavors in the practical sphere.

1.

 2.

 3.

 4.

 5.

 6.

 Higher energy

 Higher consciousness

 Deeper understanding

 Healthy space

 Higher identification / Higher tone

 Divine revelation and guidance (higher intelligence)

1. Higher energy

 Most reasons for doing spiritual practices have nothing to do with improving practical functionality. Nonetheless, the fruits of mystic engagement include a bonus of extraordinary power and stamina for dealing with our practical responsibilities and service commitments. The effect goes far beyond what we would get from having a nap or taking a break. We are not simply recharged -- we are HIGHLY charged!

 If you don't believe mystical experience energizes living, try following a spiritually advanced soul around for a week! Mystics can be very hard to keep up with because of their tendency to be extremely energetic. It is not unusual for an old mystic to overtax the reserves of several young assistants.

 Consider the source: God's endless fountain of inspiration and energy. Every person has experienced, at times, a great force that practically blows us along, so that our feet barely touch the ground. When people say, "I've got a lot of wind in my sails," they really are talking, in many cases, about the Divine power of inspiration. At such times we feel like an endless fountain, and in fact, we really ARE, because we are connected to infinite Divine power through Divine inspiration.

 The energy of Divinely inspired people clearly comes from beyond their normal physical sources and vital reserves. Divinely inspired people have always tapped into this inexhaustible and super-normal energy. God's inspiration energy provides them the great endurance that it takes to keep going on and on and on with preaching, loving, being, doing, serving. Even entertainers who are inspired by love also find this same supernatural force operating through them while performing on stage.

 Many a servant of God has reported being at a low ebb in personal energy -- even physically ill -- but when the power of inspiration descended, they could exert great energy for extended periods of time. A preacher who could barely get out of bed gives an animated three hour sermon. He never doubted that he -- with unfailing help from above -- could do it. He KNOWS that high-powered performance did NOT come from his personal resources. We're nearly inexhaustible when doing Godly work under true inspiration. The mystical relationship with God gives us a direct draw on unlimited energy -- for however long we maintain our Divine connection.

 The physical strength conveyed by Divine inspiration was independently confirmed in an interesting and completely unexpected way by a man who repairs electric pianos. He says that he is frequently asked to fix broken piano keys in churches -- and almost nowhere else. He has become quite a believer in the power of Divine inspiration, because only in churches are electric pianos played so hard that they break. Apparently, when the spirit moves, it does so with more force than an electric piano was built to handle!

 The power of higher inspirations. WHAT we are inspired to do makes a difference. People always seem to have more energy for great ideas and great visions than they do for mediocre ones. For example, it may often be easier to get a person to build a castle than it is to get them to build a shack. The vision of the castle is so inspired and inspiring that it invokes more than enough energy from the builder to cover the extra effort involved! Whenever we have a particularly grand inspiration or a cosmically larger purpose, the purpose itself sparks the energy we need for getting it done.

 Higher energy attracts the help we need. Most projects of significant size or importance cannot be completed in solitary fashion. So it is quite handy that people who are glowing with higher energy and inspiration are more likely to get the cooperation they need. An inspired person inspires confidence, support -- even willingness to pitch in and help -- from others.

 Closed doors open easily for a vibrant person. For example, if you give a job interview with too little energy, you probably won't be considered no matter how good your qualifications. But if you present yourself with enough enthusiasm, a company with no openings may actually CREATE a position just for you!

2. Higher consciousness

 The power of Unity for accomplishment. As we have pointed out, the awareness of the Unity of life naturally promotes considerate, sensitive, peaceable living. Mystic revelations of Unity also have many other practical implications. Clearly, a performer who is one with the music is a much better musician or dancer. An athlete at one with the slopes or one with the water makes a great skier or swimmer. The Unity advantage applies even to the most mundane activities. A person who is one with a padlock has great potential as a locksmith! A girl who is one with her puppy makes a great pet owner. EVERYTHING goes better with Oneness!

 Higher perspective

 A popular activist slogan advises, "Think globally, act locally." Great idea, but how many of us can truly "think globally"? From our ordinary perspective, many of us are hard-pressed to see beyond our own self-interests, to truly sympathize with people outside our immediate family, race, or religion, or to really care about happenings at any distance from our community or country.

 And, when we lack a higher perspective, even our "local actions" may be inappropriate.

Example: A woman goes to a meeting excited about an idea she has, which she thinks will help everyone there. But, when she remains insistent despite many objections from the others, she ends up ALIENATING everyone instead.

At mundane levels of consciousness, people tend to look at the world as if through a toilet paper tube, tackling the problems on by one as they arise, but with little regard for the long range implications or wider ramifications of their solutions. That, obviously, is dangerously shortsighted. No wonder narrow perspective limits our success at practical living! To succeed, we really need to be more circumspect in our considerations, more comprehensive in our thinking. Unless we are considerate of the needs and opinions of others, and thoughtful about the future implications of actions undertaken today, we may simply trade one problem for a worse one.

 To the extent that mystic awareness RAISES our perspective, it gives us far broader horizons and longer-range vision. The more we can see and take into account, the better our decisions, and the better our course corrections.

 Brighter presumptions

 Without question, a depressed person doesn't strive as actively, or aspire as high, as a happy individual. As a result, an individual whose thought is dark and depressing is far less likely to succeed at virtually anything than is a person whose thought is happy and optimistic. The brightness of any person's presumptions -- their sense of confidence, well-being, optimism, capability, and potential -- determines, to a large extent, the kinds of challenges the person is willing to face, the degree of effort and energy the person is willing to exert towards the achievement of success, and the length of time they are willing to work before giving up. So, by raising the level of our thoughts, mystic achievement improves our life prospects as a whole.

 Under brighter thought, not only do we work better and aim farther, but our high-minded thoughts exert a distinctly positive influence on the world, through which doors open, situations resolve themselves, opportunities appear as if by magic, and people step forth to assist us. A woman who believes in the goodness of others treats people well, and inspires generosity in return. A man who lives by high principles attracts supporters who further his work. NEVER underestimate the (seemingly) magical power of positive presumptions.

 In addition, through the principle of resonance, our bright presumptions literally strengthen the bright presumptions of others -- rendering our helpers more capable and willing, and our companions more supportive of our higher aspirations.

 Greater clarity

 Higher energy and elevated consciousness -- both richly provided by mystical endeavors -- can make a huge positive difference in our effectiveness at living by increasing our clarity. Improved awareness of the more subtle aspects of our environment allows us to be much more competent in practical situations of all kinds. Increased clarity enhances our ability to analyze past performance, to visualize desired results, and to make better decisions by envisioning the possible consequences of competing alternatives.

Clarity doesn't only show us more details in the outer world. It also shows us things about ourselves. In higher consciousness states, we are finally BOTHERED by previously ignored downsides of our own negative patterns. We may see, at last, why our friends have been complaining about our bad habit of stubbornness or procrastination. We may notice for the first time that we avoid healthy challenges too often. This report is typical:

"After meditating regularly for a few weeks, I noticed myself being argumentative in meetings. And, I realized I've done that all my life."

Insights like that create immediate change in lives that have been stuck for decades. Greater clarity gives us valuable insight and motivation with which to personally improve our methods and tune up our attitudes.

 Improved discernment

 The higher consciousness we enjoy as a result of mystical experience gives us more free attention to better observe our lives, the world, and the people around us. For example, anyone could tell whether an experience was "good" or "bad;" with higher consciousness, we might have the discernment to understand what, specifically, was good or bad ABOUT it.

 Higher consciousness not only allows us to perceive more detail, it also helps us more easily grapple with the implications of the information we gather. We're more comfortable with complexities and less compelled to gloss over contradictions. We can even use observations of negative factors for the good -- by working to change the problematic aspects of our circumstances, or to improve our attitudes about them.

 These extraordinary powers of discernment allows high-minded mystics to exhibit very down-to-earth wisdom. They enjoy keen awareness of the relevance of events and ideas -- and profound appreciation of the fairly complex interrelations they need to take into account for a comprehensive and evenhanded consideration of any situation. We'll never know, but chances are that King Solomon of Biblical fame got his legendary wisdom from the mystic!

 3. Deeper understanding

 As you relate to a friend over the course of an evening, you find your conversation moves through many levels, almost like peeling layers of an onion, as it progressively deepens and becomes more intimate. Finally you get down to the core realities of what really matters.

 Just as human beings find levels of commonality and understanding in the depths of relationship that they could never enjoy on more superficial levels of exchange, we also find far better understandings and solutions when we take a deeper look into the practical situations that confront us in life. The more deeply we can contemplate a challenge or a problem, the more confidently we can face it and the more effectively we can handle it.

 Mystic experience provides the depth of understanding we need. Our perceptions of the nature of a problem or goal deepen steadily as our consciousness rises. Even in the most pragmatic areas of life, when we finally penetrate into the very depths of the situation, we are likely to find an intensely resonant and spiritually appropriate answer, insight, or solution. When our perception and understanding is deep, broad and penetrating, our response will almost always produce improved results, in every field of endeavor.

4. Healthy space

 Lack of grace from lacking space. Have you ever been so concerned or self-conscious that you ran into the furniture? And, as if the minor injuries to our toes and shins weren't bad enough, our clumsiness may be accompanied by dangerously dim thinking -- the kind of thought that is equally accident-prone! Bumbling behavior and jumbled judgment result from not having enough SPACE. Both hinder our attempts to get things done in the practical sphere.

 Fresh pair of eyes. It is clear we need more space -- that is, broader perspective -- when we're bumping into doors and tripping over sofas. Our need for space is just as real even at times when it's not as obvious.

 Specifically, we need objectivity and free thinking to solve problems. Sometimes we feel we need to solve our problems IN ORDER TO get space from them; but sometimes, if we are to solve them at all, we may need to get space on them FIRST.

 No one has much objectivity or constructiveness when their brow is too furrowed with worry. Thoughts get furrowed, too! When we lack space, we tend to get stuck repeating the same unhelpful thoughts over and over, digging deeper and deeper grooves into the gray matter of our minds. That unhelpful tendency brings to mind this humorous quip:

"He's the kind of fellow who hits bottom and keeps on digging."

Space helps us get out of our ruts by giving our thoughts a different "place to come from" and suggesting new forks in our logical trail. New ideas, radical solutions, and great inventions can only come from thinking "outside the box." We gain ability that from space.

 SPACE is why businesses pay big bucks to outside consultants to look at operations with fresh eyes, and propose changes. But space doesn't come exclusively from outside ourselves and our immediate environment. Mysticism gives us the space to get our fresh eyes from WITHIN. Mysticism helps the mind soar free of its little boxes of logic -- or illogic, as the case may be. It can even help the soul soar free of the confines of the body.

 After meditating or other deep spiritual practices, people frequently find they have fresh eyes with which to see with their situation. For example, when a fellow arrives home from a retreat, he may be impressed -- enough to actually DO something about it -- how messy his house is. He may notice many, many things that need to be cleaned up or could be improved. The same is true of work lives, relationships, and so forth.

 The mystic gives us fresh eyes to see the reality of our world, after existing in a state of partial blindness for perhaps many years. Suddenly, we SEE what needs to be done. THAT is liberating!

 Not only can we see previously hidden needs and opportunities when we have space, but we can also think in new ways about old, unsolved problems. To better see our challenges and opportunities, as a result of greater space, is an amazing and remarkable benefit of mystical experience that has many applications and advantages for the refinement of practical life.

 5. Higher identification / Higher tone

 Higher identification

 The costs of ego-identification. Ego-identification has a significant impact on practical life at all levels. Conflict and war -- little known among mystics, but rampant wherever ego flourishes -- are the world's most costly problems, even on the smallest of scales. A man who has been fired at several jobs and divorced by a couple of wives knows exactly how EXPENSIVE and IMPRACTICAL the results of conflictual living can be.

 The world is in a constant state of conflict and turmoil on the personal, interpersonal, community, and global levels because of the runaway self-interest and narrow-mindedness of ego-identified people who lack the unifying perspective that mystics have. That's why we desperately need not just action, but SPIRITUALIZED action in everyday life.

 Heroes are self-transcendent. The certainty of a supreme and unending spirit reality allows truly spiritual people to live boldly and decisively in a world fraught with apparent dangers. Throughout human history, that sense of transcendent immortality has produced the greatest accomplishments and most courageous efforts of all time. Fearlessness born of spirit identification makes people effective, potent, high in impact.

 A person who accepts his or her identity as a child of God has a naturally high estimation of self-worth and personal destiny. The spirit-identified person also values other people's lives highly enough to take heroic action to save them, even if it means risking possible injury to themselves. In taking those risks, they're prioritizing the values of the SPIRIT over the smaller, selfish concerns born of bodily-identification.

 Ego-transcendence is the very ESSENCE of heroism. Somebody who jeopardizes their comfort or even their life for the sake of others is doing an inherently self-transcending action. The spirit-identified individual says, "Hey, I'm a child of God! I'm not going to be harmed even if my body takes a nick, even if my ego takes a bruise, even if my personality is insulted. None of this is going to hurt me, because I am a spiritual being on a mission from God."

 Conversely, an individual who is excessively identified with the body tends to be cowardly and selfish: the woman who refuses to do any housework because she may break a nail; the man who won't help a struggling friend carry their heavy load for fear of hurting himself; the student who turns down a classmate's plea for help with homework in order to have more time for his own studies. Obviously, too much identification with one's body and lower mind preferences tremendously reduces a person's ability to contribute in the practical sphere.

 Higher tone

 To create dynamically positive results, we must not only act responsibly and constructively, we must THINK that way as well. Thought determines the actions we choose to do, and the SPIRIT in which we do them. The tone of our thoughts also creates effects directly, independent of any actions we take, by INFLUENCING those around us. People rightly describe these influential tones of thought and mood as "vibrations."

 The challenge of spiritualized action is to firmly attach ourselves to the highest and best interpretations of everything that can happen. To use high-toned thought to raise the vibrations of everything around us is the miraculous method of spiritual alchemy. By bringing high-toned thought to bear on our own body, mind, and world, we gently but inexorably create transformation in this gross world of circumstance. It's a simple matter of influence.

 Through the birds-of-a-feather principle, we naturally attract to ourselves and our projects people whose thoughts and deeds vibrate with a similar tone to ours. And by the operation of the principle of resonance, the vibrations we cultivate in ourselves will always tend to strengthen similar vibrations in others. In a mundane case, two pessimistic people reinforce each others' tendency to depression and failure. But, taking advantage of the consciousness- and energy-raising virtues of the mystical sphere to raise our own tone as much as we can, we can maximize the chances for a good outcome in life, AND bring out the very best in the people we encounter. That's spiritual alchemy at work.

 This is practical life as God meant it to be lived; this is living at its highest! This is life fulfilling its true purpose, which is to raise life up, with our own high frequency vibration, to happiness, joy, ecstasy! Raising ourselves TO those higher levels is the very heart of all mystical/spiritual processes.

 6. Divine revelation and guidance (higher intelligence)

 "Intuitive flashes" from the mystic. Like inspiration, intuition is a marvelous gift from the mystical to the practical. Though we often rely on intuition so routinely we take it for granted, intuitive insights can be remarkable in their effects, sometimes producing near-miraculous answers and ideas. SAVED by an unexpectedly bright idea? We'd say that qualifies as "Divine intervention"!

 No matter what words they use to explain the phenomenon, many inventors, artists, and geniuses in all fields of human endeavor are strongly convinced that humanity's greatest ideas actually come from unseen higher intelligence BEYOND the everyday world of ordinary thought -- really from what we recognize as mystical sources of inspiration. These creative people will say that even when they try to tackle a problem systematically, their answers often come when they least expect them, in dreams and flashes of inspiration that bear little resemblance to their most recent train of thought.

 Still small voice: the mystic gift of inspiration. In the section on tone we considered the role of our thoughts as the basis for our action. As a matter of habit, people rely heavily, if not exclusively, on their OWN thoughts. This sounds reasonable, until you realize how closed-minded it tends to be. People can take that so far that they question ANY idea that they themselves didn't think of!

 Better results are often achieved by people who collaborate with others, in keeping with the principle "two heads are better than one." Still, the best accomplishment of any person or group remains a quantum leap BELOW what can be done when DIVINE thoughts guide thought and action. The truth is, providential inspiration takes the lid off limitation!

 Divine promptings are one of the most sublime yet most practical gifts of the mystic sphere to everyday life. The essence and guiding force of living spirituality is willing, active cooperation, in practical life, with the living guidance of the still small voice. More than any other single factor, Divine guidance distinguishes weak, creature-powered deeds from spirited, spiritualized action.

Divine promptings are no ordinary "to do" items! There is no purely mortal achievement in the realm of practical action that can hold a candle to the effectiveness we are assured when we obediently follow our Divine promptings. The still small voice very specifically directs implementation in minute and effective ways every day. And to empower us on our wonderful mission, the still small voice also provides the appropriate timing and energy to make the mission successful. Each of the still small voice's messages is a love letter from God WE get to deliver -- if only we WILL.

For more information on using Divine guidance in practical life, read these articles:

 The Right Direction: Divine Direction

 How the Still Small Voice Works

 Why Obey the Still Small Voice

 How to Use Your Spiritual Power and Influence

The mystic rescues ordinary life from an ordinary destiny

 What is the source of a full and worthwhile life? The SPIRIT in which it is lived. Each increment of spiritual awareness improves the quality of our daily lives and activities appreciably by raising our vibration. The greater our awareness of spirit meanings and realities . . .

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the broader and higher-toned our considerations

 the more constructive our interpretations

 the more spiritually appropriate our choices/decisions, and

 the more open we are to Divine thoughts and influences.

No amount of skill, no lucky accident of fate or coincidence, and no mere accumulation of wealth and possessions can make life as successful and fulfilling as spiritual consciousness does. When the sunlight of mystical awareness shines on the fields of human endeavor, beautiful things grow.