Author: Guy Mystic

Guy Mystic- Episode 4

So there I was, fresh out of college with my shiny new B.A. in Biblical Studies, thinking I had it all figured out. Man, was I wrong. Instead of clarity, I got thrown into what mystics call “the dark night of the soul.”

This wasn’t just a bad week or a spiritual funk. This was years of questioning everything I thought I knew about God, faith, and myself. It’s funny how education can sometimes lead to more questions than answers.

The catalyst was Philip Yancey’s book “Disappointment with God.” Not your typical progressive read. Yet, the title spoke to me – finally someone acknowledging that sometimes our relationship with God isn’t all sunshine and rainbows! Maybe he could solve my problem with theodicy, so I thought.

The book presents God in the three persons of the Trinity. It was when I got to the section about the Holy Spirit when something just… happened. I don’t know how else to describe it. It was like a light switch flipped in my spirit. Later I’d learn terms like “spiritual awakening” or “satori” to describe it, but in that moment, it was just real.

This question kept bubbling up inside me: “If God is in me, why do I need all these rules? Why do I need a building or an organization? If God is in me, isn’t church wherever I am?” It wasn’t rebellion talking – it was something deeper, more authentic.

The God I’d studied and been taught up to this point suddenly became this intimate presence I could feel. Not some distant deity who needed me to jump through institutional hoops, but something both beyond everything and right here inside me. The transcendent became immanent in a very real sense.

Years later, I discovered there’s actually a theological/philosophical term for this experience of God: panentheism. It’s this idea that God is both within everything and also beyond it. Panentheism says “God is in everything, but also more than everything.” That was what I was experiencing.

This was the beginning of what I now call my “collaboration with God.” Sounds fancy, I know, but it’s really just about recognizing that divine presence isn’t something you have to search for – it’s already there, working with you and through you. The Imago Dei had a whole new meaning.

The dark night isn’t a one and done experience – it recurs from time to time. But now there is this light within the darkness. Not from church programs or theological certainty, but from recognizing God is present in my very being, even when everything feels unclear.

And it’s a journey. The questions don’t disappear – they just evolve. There’s something incredibly freeing about a mystical approach to faith. It honors both tradition and personal experience; it values the inner journey as much as the outward expressions.

One way I think about it is sometimes we have to lose our religion to find our faith. And in that finding, we discover that God and ourselves are participants in something much bigger than we ever imagined.

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Guy Mystic- Episode 2

You know how sometimes you outgrow things? That’s exactly what happened with my childhood faith after high school. It started feeling like this tiny cage, and I just couldn’t stay put anymore. There was this whole world out there waiting to be explored, and something inside me kept whispering that there had to be more to faith than what I’d been taught.

So I jumped ship. Looking back now, it’s almost funny how that “big leap” wasn’t really that dramatic. I didn’t exactly throw away my fundamentalist upbringing – I just traded it in for a slightly different model. The Baptist reformed tradition became my new spiritual exploration. Same language basically, just with a different accent. And they weren’t pacifists.

All the familiar landmarks were still there: heaven as the ultimate destination, the Bible as completely infallible, KJV, and this persistent suspicion of anything outside church walls. But something was stirring inside me. I started getting genuinely curious about spiritual stuff, wanting to dig deeper into scripture and really understand theology beyond just Sunday school answers.

(The leap also introduced me to my amazing partner, more about that in Episode 3.)

I was called to Bible college. First, I did a year at this Bible Institute out of state, and then transferred back to this really conservative college – we’re talking hardcore fundamentalist, the kind of place where they had you sign a statement of faith that left zero wiggle room. They had an answer for everything, taught doctrine like it was mathematical fact, and basically viewed the outside world as this dangerous, contaminated place. Don’t get me started on the dress code.

I see now that this was my transition phase. I was trying to balance my growing intellectual curiosity with the comfort of fundamentalist certainty. I thought I was building a stronger foundation for my faith through all this academic study and theological deep-diving.

College years really are a pressure cooker, aren’t they? I threw myself completely into studying biblical culture, historical contexts, theological systems – the works. I learned exactly how to analyze scripture “correctly” and memorized all the right apologetic arguments like I was preparing for the debate team.

But here’s the thing – the deeper I got into fundamentalist theology, the more this uncomfortable feeling grew. The questions just wouldn’t go away. The real world is messy and complicated, and it refused to fit into these neat little theological boxes. The problem of evil especially – none of the explanations I was given really satisfied me. Rigid doctrines started feeling like clothes that were two sizes too small and it was getting hard to breathe.

That little seed of doubt from my childhood? It was turning into a full-blown tree. I was learning critical thinking skills and how to question assumptions – tools they gave me to challenge “worldly wisdom” – but I couldn’t help turning those same tools on my own faith.

I was supposed to use my critical thinking only on “secular” ideas, never on my own beliefs. But I couldn’t help myself. Without even realizing it, I was setting the stage for the next chapter of my journey – one that would take me far beyond the comfortable boundaries of fundamentalism.

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Guy Mystic- Episode 3

For years, I’ve carried the label “spiritual nomad.” It fits, I suppose. My path hasn’t been a straight line, but more of a winding, often confusing, yet ultimately beautiful exploration. And like any journey, it has a starting point, a place where my spiritual curiosity was first evident. That place was a small, little known Anabaptist sect that came from the Mennonite/Amish tradition.

My childhood was steeped in the rhythm of mostly rural life, the scent of freshly turned earth and the clang of metal from my grandfather’s welding shop. He was a farmer, a man of the land, but also a seeker of sorts. He possessed a hunger for knowledge, a desire to understand his faith. And in our small community, he was a lay minister, and to me, a voice of authority and guidance.

I remember the five-volume set of J. Vernon McGee’s “Thru the Bible” commentary, always within reach of his armchair. McGee’s down-to-earth approach to scripture resonated deeply with my grandfather. He embraced the dispensational view, the intricate tapestry of “end times” and the rapture. His sermons, delivered with a farmer’s directness and wisdom.

Sunday evenings were a ritual, with the extended family gathering at my grandparent’s house for a meal and inevitably became space for theological wrestling.The air would thicken with the buzz of biblical and theological debate. The men would gather around the kitchen table then move to the living room, arguing, discussing, and dissecting their latest musings. My grandfather, the patriarch, would hold court having the final say among the many interpretations.

I, a silent observer, would absorb it all. The cadence of their voices, the passion in their arguments, the weight of their words – I was schooled in layman’s theological discourse. I didn’t understand everything, of course. I was grappling with the complexities of faith and the looming shadow of the “end times” they so fervently discussed.

Looking back, I realize how profoundly those Sunday afternoons shaped me. They were my first seminary, my introduction to the labyrinth of religious and spiritual thought. My spiritual questioning started there, amidst the pages of McGee’s commentary and the passionate debates of my family.

It’s ironic, isn’t it? That a tradition so rooted in tradition, so seemingly fixed in its propositional beliefs, would ignite a lifelong journey of exploration. The rigidity of that childhood faith, the certainty of its pronouncements, would quickly become the catalyst for my wandering. I needed to see beyond the boundaries, to question the unquestionable.

That small sect, with its simple faith and its fervent beliefs, was my cradle, my starting point. It was a place of both comfort and constraint, a place that both nurtured and challenged my spirit. And though I have wandered far from its path, it echoes as strongly within me as my DNA, forever intertwined with the story of my nomadic soul.

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Within every individual lies a source of untapped potential, waiting to be discovered and harnessed. This potential extends far beyond the boundaries of our everyday experiences, encompassing aspects of our consciousness, creativity, and spiritual essence.

Often hidden beneath the layers of routine and conditioning, the inner mystic holds the keys to unlocking our deepest aspirations, innate talents, and profound insights. It’s a reservoir of energy that calls us to explore the uncharted territories of our soul, pushing the boundaries of what we believe is possible. By connecting with our inner mystic, we set forth on a transformative path of self-discovery and growth.

This will likely lead to an identity shift.

This process involves letting go of doubt and societal constructs, allowing our inner essence to radiate and bring forth our gifts and potentials. It’s not always easy to see these or identity them. Many time we’ve suppressed this light for so long, it’s hard to see it…to hear it…to experience it.

As we engage with our inner mystic, we come to realize that our personal growth is intertwined with our ability to tap into this source, catalyzing a journey of empowerment, connection, and alignment with our deepest identity.

Mysticism has been around for centuries, and it offers a wealth of insights into how to live an extraordinary life. Extraordinary does not mean easy or without problems. It takes courage. It takes practice. It is not comfortable. There is more to life than what we can see and touch, and there are a variety of practices and techniques that can help us to connect with the divine and to experience a deeper level of reality.

A few of those practices are:

• Live in the present moment. Mystics believe that the present moment is the only moment that is real, and they encourage us to live our lives with a sense of mindfulness and awareness. The past informs the present moment. The future is only a potential arising from this moment. When we live in the present moment, we are more likely to experience joy, peace, and gratitude.
• Develop your intuition. We all have an inner knowing, or intuition, that helps guide us in our lives. Our intuition can be developed. When we use our intuition we are more likely to make choices more aligned with our purpose and we will be following our true path.
• Let go of attachment. Attachment to material possessions, people, and ideas prevent us from experiencing freedom and happiness. As children, attachment is necessary for our survival. As part of our developmental process, differentiation is healthy and necessary. When we let go of our attachments, we are more likely to live in the present moment.
• Be kind to yourself. We are all connected. We should treat ourselves with the same kindness and compassion that we would treat others. When we are kind to ourselves, we are more able to let go of attachments.
• Serve others. Mystics believe that service to others is part of the path to enlightenment. When we serve others, we are not only helping them, but we are also helping ourselves.

Living an extraordinary life is not about achieving material success or fame, (although that may happen). It is about living a life that is true to your heart and that is filled with love, compassion, and gratitude. If you are willing to embrace the insights of mysticism, you can create a life that is truly extraordinary.

Meditation is a powerful tool that can help mystics connect with their inner wisdom and have a direct experience with the divine. There are many different types of meditation, but three of the most available include:

Vipassana meditation 

Vipassana is a form of meditation that focuses on observing the breath and the body. This helps develop greater awareness of your own thoughts and feelings, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the nature of reality.

To practice Vipassana meditation, you can sit in a comfortable position and focus on your breath. As you breathe in, say to yourself “I am breathing in.” As you breathe out, say to yourself “I am breathing out.” You can also focus on your body, noticing any sensations you feel, such as the weight of your body on the chair or the feeling of your breath on your skin.

When your mind wanders, which it will, gently bring it back to your breath or your body. There is no need to judge yourself for getting distracted. Just keep bringing your attention back to your breath or your body.

As you continue to practice Vipassana meditation, you will start to notice the impermanence of all things. You will see that your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations are constantly changing. This can be a liberating experience, as it can help you to let go of attachments and expectations.

Here are some of the key principles of Vipassana meditation:

• Non-judgment: Not judging your thoughts, feelings, or sensations as good or bad. When you judge your experiences, you create suffering for yourself. When you practice non-judgment, you are able to accept your experiences as they are, without resistance.
• Acceptance: Accepting things as they are, without trying to change them. When you accept things as they are, you are able to let go of attachments and expectations. This can help you to reduce stress and anxiety and to live more effectively.
• Present moment awareness: Paying attention to the present moment without judgment. When you are present, you are not caught up in the past or the future. You are simply experiencing the present moment as it is. This can help you to reduce stress and anxiety and to enjoy life more fully.

Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a form of meditation that teaches you to focus your attention on the present moment without judgment. It is a way of training your mind to be more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without getting caught up in them.

To practice mindfulness meditation, you can sit in a comfortable position and focus on your breath. As you breathe in, say to yourself “I am breathing in.” As you breathe out, say to yourself “I am breathing out.” You can also focus on your body, noticing any sensations you feel, such as the weight of your body on the chair or the feeling of your breath on your skin.

When your mind wanders, which it will, gently bring it back to the present moment. There is no need to judge yourself for getting distracted. Just keep bringing your attention back to your breath or your body.

Mindfulness meditation can be practiced for any length of time, but it is helpful to start with short sessions of 5 or 10 minutes. As you become more familiar with the practice, you can gradually increase the length of your sessions.

Here are some core concepts of mindfulness:

1. Present-focused awareness: Paying attention to the present moment without judgment. You are aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, but you do not get caught up in them.
2. An accepting or open attitude: Accepting your thoughts and feelings without judgment. You do not try to change your thoughts or feelings. You simply observe them.
3. Compassion for self and others: This means having a kind and understanding attitude towards yourself and others. You are able to see yourself and others with compassion.
4. The energy of mindfulness: The energy that arises when you are mindful. It is a sense of peace, calm, and clarity. You are able to tap into this energy and use it in your life.

Centering prayer

Centering prayer is a form of contemplative prayer that shows you how to center your awareness on the presence of the divine. To do this, one chooses a sacred word, such as “peace” or “love,” and repeats it silently to yourself as you sit quietly in a comfortable position. When your mind wanders, simply bring it back to the sacred word.

To practice centering prayer here are the basic steps:

1. Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
2. Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight.
3. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath.
4. Choose a sacred word, such as “peace” or “love.”
5. Repeat the sacred word silently to yourself as you breathe in and out.
6. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the sacred word.
7. Continue for 20-30 minutes.

Some of the key principles of centering prayer are:

• Receptive silence: Allowing yourself to be open to the presence of God without trying to control or direct the experience.
• Simple awareness: Being aware of your sacred word and your breath without judgment.
• Gently returning: Gently returning your attention to your sacred word whenever your mind wanders.
• Patience and perseverance: Being patient with yourself and your practice, and persevering even when it is difficult.

Be Patient

Meditation is a powerful technology that’s been around for thousands of years and has helped mystics of differing traditions connect with their inner wisdom and experience a deeper connection with the divine. If you are interested in cultivating this experience, I encourage you to give it a try. There are many types of meditation, find one that works for you. And most importantly, be patient. It takes time and persistence to develop a meditation practice, but the benefits are well worth it.

Reading spiritual texts can be a powerful way to connect with the divine, to gain insights into their own spiritual journey, and to learn from the wisdom of others. There are different spiritual texts available, you should find those that speak to you. I have found there are spiritual texts that wisdom traditions have recognized for hundreds and thousands of years like the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, the Koran, and the Tripitaka. You may find other ancient and modern texts sacred to you.

Benefits of Reading Spiritual Texts

• Increased awareness: Spiritual texts can help develop greater awareness of your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the nature of reality.
• Deeper connection with the divine: These texts can help you experience a deeper connection with the divine leading to a greater peace and inspiration.
• New perspectives: Spiritual texts often illuminate new perspectives on life, death, and the nature of reality. This can help one to see the world in a new light and to grow spiritually.
• Wisdom from the past: Many texts contain the wisdom of the ages. Reading these texts can help you to learn valuable insights from the experiences of others and to gain new understanding into your own spiritual journey.

Choosing Texts for You

There are many different spiritual texts available. Here are a few tips for finding those that may best resonate with you:

• Consider your spiritual tradition. If you are part of a particular spiritual tradition, there are likely many texts that are considered sacred within that tradition. These texts can be a great place to start. Ask others you know and trust for their recommendations
• Explore different traditions. If you are not part of a particular spiritual tradition, or if you are interested in learning about different traditions, a Google or Amazon search will be a great start for exploring different spiritual paths.
• Read with an open mind. When you are reading spiritual texts, it is important to read with an open mind. You are on this path to challenge your own beliefs and to explore new ideas.
• Find a community. This is not easy. You may need to visit several before you find one where you feel you belong. The right community for you can provide support and encouragement, and can also be a great way to discuss and share your insights.

Reading spiritual texts can be a powerful way for you to connect with the divine, to gain insights into your own spiritual journey, and to learn from the wisdom of others. If you are interested in exploring the benefits of reading spiritual texts, I encourage you to do some research and find texts that are right for you and suit your needs and interests. And as with all experiences along this journey, be patient. It takes time to develop an understanding of these texts.

Nature has always been a source of inspiration and awe for mystics. From the ancient Greeks to the Native Americans, mystics have found a deep connection to the natural world. 

By connecting with nature, one can experience:

• Increased awareness: Time in nature can help to develop greater awareness of your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences, leading to a deeper understanding of the nature of reality.
• Deeper connection with the divine: Nature is seen as a manifestation of the divine, and spending time in nature can help one to experience that deeper connection, creating a greater sense of peace and inspiration.
• Reduced stress: Nature has a calming effect on the mind, body and spirit. Spending time in nature can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Improved mood: Spending time in nature provides grounding and can improve mood and boost feelings of well-being.
• Increased creativity: The aesthetics of nature can spark creativity and inspiration out of the beauty and diversity.

Find Ways to Connect with the Earth

• Go for a walk. This is a simple way to connect with the natural world. Reduce distractions and pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells of nature.
• Spend time in a garden. Gardens are a beautiful and peaceful place to connect with nature. You can work in a garden, sit on a bench, or simply walk through a garden.
• Camping. Camping is a great way to connect with nature. Sleep under the stars, hike in the woods, and swim in a lake.
• Hiking. Hiking can connect you with nature and help you get some exercise. Be aware of the plants, animals and natural beauty you see along your hike.
• Volunteer for an environmental organization. Volunteer to clean up a river, plant trees, or educate others about environmental issues.

Connecting with nature is a powerful way to connect with the divine, to gain insights into your own spiritual journey, and to experience the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Find ways that suit your needs and interests. And as always, be patient. It may take you time and effort to develop a deep connection with nature and how it reflects the divine to you.

Are you interested in exploring the mystical life? Do you want to experience a deeper connection with the Source? If so, there are a few things you can do to get started.

Be open to the possibility of a deeper reality. The first step on the mystical path is to open your mind to the possibility that there is more to life than what we can see and touch. This may be a challenge, especially if you have been conditioned to believe that the world is a purely material place. However, if you are willing to open your mind, you will be amazed at what you can discover.

Explore different spiritual traditions and practices. There are many different spiritual traditions that incorporate mystical elements. Some of the most well-known include Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. However, mysticism is not limited to any one tradition. Mystical experiences can occur in people of all faiths, or in people who do not identify with any particular faith.

Trust your intuition. Your intuition is a powerful tool that can guide you on your mystical path. Pay attention to your gut feelings and follow your inner guidance. If something feels right, then go for it. If something doesn’t feel right, then trust that and move on.

Be patient. The mystical path is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and effort to develop your spiritual awareness. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have a mystical experience right away.

Here are some additional tips for starting your mystical path:

• Find a teacher or mentor. Having someone who can guide you on your journey can be invaluable.
• Join a spiritual community. Being surrounded by other people who are on the same path can provide support and encouragement.
• Read spiritual texts. There are many great books that can help you to learn more about mysticism.
• Spend time in nature. Nature is a powerful source of spiritual inspiration.

I hope these tips help you to start your mystical path. Remember, the journey is a lifelong one, and there is no one destination. However, the journey is well worth it, as it can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Starting your mystical path can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Start your journey today!