How to Be a Mystic

Sense the influence of a guiding force. Whether you consider yourself highly spiritual or not, a mystic strives to uncover patterns in disorder and gather proof of such patterns. If you often perceive meaningful coincidences, profound metaphors, or beautiful natural phenomena as indicators of a greater reality, you might start to sense the presence of a guiding force in which you place your faith.

• Religious mystics often place their faith in a divine entity, a supreme being responsible for creating and governing the world and its inhabitants. In traditions like Zen Buddhism, mystics may also trust in practices such as asceticism and meditation as the most authentic ways to comprehend existence.
• While mystics are frequently religious, they are not always so. The works of quantum physicists and Jungian psychologists often venture into mystical territory as they delve deeper. Whatever system, entity, or practice you choose to trust, commit to it wholeheartedly.

Seek the interconnectedness of all things. Strive to uncover harmony and unity in the world, rather than focusing on divisions and differences. Find common ground even with those you consider adversaries.

• No matter your spiritual or religious beliefs, it’s beneficial to explore a diverse range of mystical texts across various traditions and philosophies. For instance, Thomas Merton, a Christian writer, dedicated significant time to studying Zen Buddhism.

Prioritize personal experience. What defines a mystic? What sets a Christian mystic apart from an ordinary Christian, or a Buddhist mystic from a regular Buddhist? Across all traditions, mystics share one key trait: a profound, personal connection to their spiritual beliefs. For mystics, firsthand spiritual experiences hold far greater significance than theoretical knowledge or secondhand accounts. Merely attending religious services is insufficient for a mystic.

• Steer clear of the materialistic excesses sometimes associated with religion. You don’t require lavish items like an elaborate rock garden, koi pond, or meditation cushion to embody Buddhist mysticism. Similarly, owning ancient religious artifacts isn’t necessary to be a Christian mystic.

Live in the present. Mystics must remain grounded and fully engaged in the moment. They avoid distractions from technology, stress, or busy schedules. Instead, a mystic focuses entirely on the task at hand. When eating, concentrate solely on nourishing your body, savoring each bite, and appreciating the meal. When reading, immerse yourself in the content, absorbing the words and ideas. Dedicate yourself completely to each activity.

• This practice can be challenging and won’t come easily. The constant noise and distractions of modern life make it difficult to slow down and focus. Simplify your life as much as possible. Start small—put your phone away unless you need it for a specific purpose.

Challenge everything. Mystics seek direct, personal connections to the spiritual realm and their inner selves, not secondhand knowledge. They question conventional wisdom and clichés. To deepen your mystical understanding of the world, both visible and invisible, begin by asking profound questions. Regardless of your spiritual or religious beliefs, embrace inquiries like:

• What is the purpose of our existence?
• How do we define a meaningful life?
• Who am I at my core?
• What lies beyond death, and what does it signify to me?

Rely on your intuition. It’s not enough to ask the big questions—you must also trust that your inner guidance will lead you to the answers you seek. Have faith in yourself. Cultivate your intuition and self-reliance. Let go of doubt and believe in your ability to uncover the truths you’re searching for.

Explore the works of mystics within your tradition. Delving into mystical literature is a crucial way to understand the lives and philosophies of mystics. Each tradition offers a diverse array of mystics and teachings, making it vital to grasp the breadth of these writings. Over time, you’ll notice how interconnected and similar these ideas become, despite their apparent differences:

• Thomas Merton's No Man is an Island
• St. Augustine's Confessions of St. Augustine
• The Cloud of Unknowing, written anonymously
• Julian of Norwich's Revelation of Divine Love
• DT Suzuki's An Introduction to Zen Buddhism
• The Nasruddin Stories from the Sufic tradition

Determine the core principles of your practice. Mysticism blends personal meditation and reflection with the specific teachings of your chosen tradition. Each spiritual journey is unique, as every individual is different. Identifying what matters most to you and your practice is a decision only you can make.

• For some Christian mystics, emulating the life of Christ is paramount. For others, sharing the gospel is essential. Both approaches can lead to profound mystical experiences and a deeper understanding of the spiritual realm.

Place your spiritual practice above all else. Mysticism is not a part-time endeavor. Your connection to spirituality and the profound questions of existence must take precedence over everything else—your career, family, or hobbies. Your relationship with the universe should be your primary focus.

• For many, the mystic path is a solitary one. Most mystics adopt a monastic lifestyle for this reason. If you aspire to be a mystic, balancing late-night social activities with your spiritual goals can be challenging. Are you prepared to make this commitment?

Embrace the unknown. A key aspect of Zen meditation involves releasing attachment to big questions and accepting the void. For a mystic, this void should feel as familiar as your living room. Trusting your instincts and exploring life’s deepest questions often leads to more questions than answers. It can be both frustrating and freeing to accept that you may never know what happens after death or whether your worldview is entirely "correct."

Cultivate a profound belief system through prayer and reflection. Regardless of your religious affiliation or lack thereof, it's crucial to dedicate time for deep reflection and meditative practices. Engage in prayer, meditation, and contemplation regularly.

• Begin your prayer practice by shifting focus from specific requests to embracing the emotional experience. What sensations arise when connecting with the divine? How does conversing with your deity influence your inner being?
• For certain spiritual practitioners, balancing time between studying sacred texts, meditating, and engaging with the world is essential. As a general guideline, ensure that your prayer time is proportionate to your study of religious texts, and vice versa.

Enhance your mindfulness through meditation. Meditation isn't about achieving a particular goal or outcome. It's not about emerging with new knowledge or solutions to life's challenges. Rather, it's about cultivating inner stillness and heightened awareness, which you then carry into your daily life.

• To embark on meditation, practice quieting your mind and observing your thoughts as they pass without attachment. Simply sit, concentrate on your breath, and gaze into the emptiness.
• Strive to maintain a meditative state throughout your day. Pay attention to the subtle details. Take your time.

Let go of superfluous beliefs. A well-known Zen analogy likens Zen to a boat—it's useful for crossing the river but unnecessary to carry afterward. Similarly, learn to leave behind your Zen practices when they no longer serve you. Religious and meditative practices should enhance your comprehension of the world, not complicate it.

Immerse yourself in a community of spiritual individuals. Engaging with fellow believers who are committed to their spiritual practices is vital. Gain insights by observing and engaging in deep discussions with members of your religious community or group. Exchange ideas and interpretations. Absorb as much knowledge as possible.

• In certain traditions, securing a mentor or guru is crucial for deepening your mystical practice and evolving as a spiritual thinker. If you're committed to advancing your practice, consider seeking a personal guide.