Mysticism Is For Everyone

So, what exactly is mysticism?

Ah, as if I'm going to spoon-feed you a simple answer! Not a chance! I care too much for you to do that. In fact, I’ll flip the script and pose a different question altogether.

But don't worry; by the end, everything will come together nicely.

Let’s ponder this instead:

> “What is music?”

That’s a tough one, right? At least it should be, unless you can easily dismiss others' perspectives. I won't dwell on this question for too long, as it's a topic worthy of many volumes.

Essentially, music is whatever auditory experience resonates with you. Whether structured or chaotic, harmonious or discordant, loud or soft—anything that emotionally or intellectually moves you can be music... to you. From Bach to contemporary artists, from natural sounds to urban noise, anything that vibrates your eardrums can touch someone’s heart.

Now, let's pivot back to mysticism, reexamining the term through the lens of music. Mysticism is experienced through whatever mystery profoundly impacts you. It encompasses what nurtures your growth and piques your curiosity—anything that fills you with awe. It could be something that diminishes your ego or makes you feel vibrantly alive. Just as the sonic spectrum captivates an audiophile, the mysteries of life captivate the mystic, offering portals to deeper truths.

Let’s dive deeper into our preconceived notions about mystics, again using music as a metaphor. This will help clarify why the discussions in part I about spirituality and related concepts were essential.

The Archetypal Mystic

Like many, I struggle to dismantle the clichés surrounding mysticism without conjuring the image of the Hermit—a familiar symbol in tarot, famously depicted on Led Zeppelin's IV album. While this image aptly captures the mystic's solitary journey with the mysteries, it also perpetuates certain Hollywood-esque stereotypes.

According to popular belief, a mystic is often seen as:

• A recluse with exceptional intelligence and charisma
• A scholar of obscure esoteric and philosophical knowledge
• Emerging from a singular mystical tradition, often recognized as either a revered figure or an enlightened outcast
• Possibly practicing occult arts or possessing paranormal abilities
• Having achieved a higher spiritual status, often through impressive devotion or mentorship from renowned teachers
• Not particularly glamorous (this last point is a joke, somewhat).

Think of cinematic mystics like Gandalf, Yoda, Dumbledore, and the Oracle from The Matrix. They fit the mold, contributing to the notion that "mystic" is a title reserved for the extraordinary.

Now, let's reconsider this through the lens of music.

What if "musician" came with a stringent set of criteria? Only those who dedicated decades to mastering their craft, learning intricate techniques from prestigious institutions, and showcasing their talent on grand stages would qualify. Without meeting all these standards, one would be seen as pretentious for even calling themselves a musician.

Imagine if the contributions of anyone who didn’t meet these criteria were forgotten or ignored. What would music be without the rich tapestry of diverse tribal sounds, the heartfelt expressions of folk music, or the spirituals born from the struggles of the oppressed?

The essence is that to be called a musician, all one needs to do is engage with music—learning and playing it, regardless of talent. In contrast, the title of "mystic" is often reserved for those who fit a romanticized image. While some musicians are indeed trained experts, what about the mystics who are more like self-taught artists?

Like musicians who eschew formal training, many mystics might not adhere to esoteric practices or religious frameworks. Some learn from texts, others create their own rituals, and some may not use any formal methods at all. Music has countless voices, and so does mysticism—at least in potential.

The Fundamental Question

Given the vast democratization of music—which has been true since its inception—it's easy to think that everything has already been done. But this notion is even more misguided when applied to mysticism. At this stage, the term "mysticism" may feel increasingly ambiguous, especially as we strip it of its clichés and misconceptions. So, let’s revisit the main inquiry posed earlier:

> “What is mysticism?”

This is undoubtedly a topic worthy of an entire book. However, succinctly answering it is not just a personal challenge for me; it’s also a way to engage you, the reader, in discovering your own answer. After all, it’s as personal as asking, “What is music?”

Let’s delve into this together. Although the following questions are somewhat rhetorical, reflecting on them can enhance your exploration:

• What is the earliest dream you remember, and why does it linger in your mind? What meaning do you derive from it?
• Have you ever cried from joy or felt utterly hopeless? Reflect on those moments of “absoluteness.” How were you different then?
• Can you recall experiences when reality felt altered—whether subtly or intensely? What defines “normal” reality?
• How would you describe your enduring self, your "I," in just one sentence?

There you have it. That inquiry into profound mysteries, however trivial it may seem, encapsulates mysticism. It's about navigating your psyche, connecting with the reality around you, and being open to inspiration. This experiential understanding of mysticism surpasses any rigid definition I could offer.

Moreover, notice that you don't need ancient texts, a shaman, or ritualistic candles to engage in mysticism. You might be asking these kinds of questions instinctively. Just as musicians have their instruments and theories, the mystic’s primary tool is their mind.

Am I overstating my case? Am I trivializing the terms "mystic" and "mysticism"? Perhaps. Many do occasionally explore deep topics, just as they might sing in their cars. However, this casual engagement doesn’t qualify them as dedicated mystics or musicians. True mystics and musicians often pursue their passions at great personal cost.

The legendary figures—like Swedenborg, Krishnamurti, or Rumi—are often idealized, but their tales shouldn’t overshadow your unique mystical journey. Just as many still play guitar despite the existence of legends like Hendrix, only you can determine if you’re answering your mystical calling.

Not everyone is destined to be a mystic, and that’s perfectly fine. Ultimately, being a mindful human is the only prerequisite for practicing mysticism. This is the essence I sought to convey: the inherent democracy of mysticism. I intentionally avoided saying "the democratization of mysticism," as it doesn’t require such a process. As long as you breathe, regardless of your circumstances, you have the capacity to experience the divine in every aspect of life—from nature to personal struggles.

This life itself is the miracle, and your mind is the means to explore it—wildly enough, both the tool and life are part of the mystery.

Mysticism dwells in the fleeting space between inception and perception:

The inspiration of the mystic is, by its nature, a creative act.

Thus, mysticism becomes the mystery that we intrinsically are.

...

So how was that for “tying it all together”?

Embracing Your Inner Mystic

I hope it’s evident that this article isn’t an activist's agenda to rally others around the notion of becoming mystics. On the contrary, mysticism is such an intimate concept that my goal was to deconstruct it, allowing you to reconstruct it based on your experiences and insights. Perhaps it’s so personal that there are as many mysticisms as there are mystics.

You might uncover an unexpected mystical aspect within yourself or recognize it in those around you. Just as music can be found in the ambient sounds of daily life, so too can you find the enigma in everything. We are surrounded by evocative sounds, metaphorical events, and profound mysteries.

The lens of music was chosen deliberately to illustrate mysticism more clearly. Being moved by music is, in itself, a mystical experience. I hope this resonates with you the next time you hit "Play."

Ultimately, this article encourages you to reflect on whether you are a mystic—and to what extent. Just as not everyone is a musician, it's perfectly okay not to identify as a mystic. It's equally valid to dabble in the mystical, just as it's fine to strum a few chords on a guitar occasionally.

However, perhaps you are deeply captivated by the mysteries of existence. Maybe you feel that your life lacks meaning without dedicating time and energy to exploring these questions.

Perhaps you are a mystic.

Maybe you’ve been led to believe that mystics must meditate for years or possess extraordinary abilities.

You might have thought that such a title must be earned, but it’s already yours.

If you desire it, of course.

Right here and right now, you could embody the greatest of all mysteries.

Discover more about Dominic Vallée and his work on his personal website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and the Hopscotch Chronicles Podcast. His book, "Zinfaendel, the Mystic’s Path of Self-Knowledge," is also available in paperback, digital, and audio formats.