Everyday Mysticism: Steps to Awakening a More Purposeful, Peaceful, and Positive YOU

One of the words people often use to describe me is wise. I appreciate this acknowledgment. It affirms my investment in my inner Self. But I want you to know that we are all full of wisdom. Yes, you, too.

Wisdom is innate. It extends to us from the universal higher power: Christianity says the kingdom of heaven is within. Buddhism says you are the Buddha. Hinduism says that individual consciousness and universal consciousness are one. Judaism says everyone has a divine spark within them. Islam says he who knows himself knows his Lord.

Mystics know that everything we need is already inside because the maker of all things dwells within. Each can access our ancient wisdom by developing a relationship with our truest inner Self.

The difference between those we call wise and others is the depth to which the wise ones know, trust, and respect their oneness with something greater.

Though I appreciate being known as wise, I refer to myself as practiced. The practice of training our thoughts unleashes our innate wisdom.

No matter who I’m with or what I’m doing, I pay close attention to what I think, feel, and do and make necessary shifts to evolve into better iterations of myself.

Becoming a Modern Mystic:

Blending the Everyday and What’s Possible

We become modern mystics as we consciously and intentionally strive to find our Selves, recognize our connection to all things, and live more fully and authentically.

Traditionally, mystics separated themselves from society, retreating to mountaintops or secluded communities where they could devote themselves to spiritual practices without the distractions of everyday life.

But today, becoming a modern mystic requires using the world around us as our training field. We are called to forge a connection with something greater than ourselves that cannot be diminished by so-called reality and turn this relationship into an active partnership, friendship, and love. This is the fastest path to Self-discovery—seeking to experience the divine within and around you.

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and actions.  Objectively watch yourself in action, like you would a movie. Becoming an observer helps you become conscious of the unconscious things you think, say, believe, or do.

2. Think about what you want. Awareness of where you are allows you to shift your thoughts or opt out of habits that don’t serve your growth or move you toward your goals or desires.

3. Seek assistance from a higher power. Whether you call it God, the universe, or simply the wisdom of life, ask for guidance in understanding, ushering in truth, or revealing new perspectives.

The Mind is Powerful AND Universal: Tapping Into Its Collective Wisdom

The mind is made to think, constantly generating thoughts that shape our reality. Even though studies show that 80% of our thoughts are negative and 95% are repetitive, we can direct our thoughts to break free from the negative loops and create endless possibilities for our lives.

And, because we are spiritual and infinite beings, the mind does not belong to us as individuals. The mind and our thoughts are universal.

Let me share a personal experience that highlights the universal nature of thought. Not long ago, I created an Instagram video and sent it to my social media team.

A team member responded, "This is amazing; my therapist made this analogy yesterday."

I was surprised because I had never used that analogy before, yet it echoed what her therapist had just said.

This synchronicity is an example of the universal mind at work. Our thoughts are part of a vast cloud of collective consciousness. When we’re unconscious, we often download from humanity’s history of pain. But when we live life consciously, we engage thoughts that empower us and access and act on humanity's collective wisdom.

You CAN Change Your Life: 5 Steps to Inner and Outer Transformation

If you yearn to live more at one with the universe, here are five habits that can help you get there:

• Spend time with your Self regularly. This is your time to connect with your inner wisdom and reflect on where you are, how you feel, and where and how you want to go.

• Observe yourself without judgment. Be willing to observe and change the thoughts, behaviors, and habits that don’t grow you or move you forward.

• Make wise, conscious choices. Life is full of ideas, lessons, inspiration, and answers if you’re open to seeing and using them.

• Be curious and open about what’s possible. Embrace the unknown with a sense of wonder and be willing to see what is and what can be.

• Pause to breathe in the awe of being alive. Appreciate the gift of life and the miracle of being an embodied soul on this planet.

When you dare to live more purposefully, you experience life more fully. The wisest thing you can do is view yourself and life as precious and seek to honor the gift you and life are. At the end of it all, may you look back and see a full, practiced, and wholly satisfying journey—a life well-lived.

Tina Lifford plays Aunt Vi on the critically acclaimed television show, Queen Sugar. The Little Book of Big Lies: A Journey Into Inner Fitness is her first book; released by Harper Collins, November 2019, and is full of the kind of internal “actions” that will transform your thinking and your life. Want more Inner Fitness gems? Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more Aha moments.