Chapter 1: The Dual Nature of Rationality

Rational thought is one of humanity's most significant gifts. Our capacity to perceive beyond immediate sensations has provided us with luxuries and abilities that our ancestors could hardly imagine. Yet, this very gift can also lead us astray, enabling us to rationalize any existence we choose. Our intellect can effectively calm our fears, allowing us to adopt narratives that align with our current selves or push us toward seemingly positive progress. However, it can also become consumed by its own authority, distancing us from the tangible experiences of life. In contemporary society, the individual has often been overlooked as our cultures increasingly embrace material reductionism—the belief that we are merely random occurrences in an unfathomably vast timeline, where meaning, purpose, and divinity are reduced to mere “rationalizations” to cope with our inevitable mortality.

This tendency has historical roots. A thousand years ago, religious institutions condemned nature and the material world, asserting that the spirit could not manifest within the physical realm. However, a fundamental aspect of humanity is the drive to explore what we are told to avoid. Consequently, people began seeking the spirit concealed within matter—a pursuit now known as alchemy. Alchemy serves as a precursor to our modern scientific methods. It's fascinating to observe how contemporary scientific thought and ancient religious beliefs converge, despite their apparent opposition. Both assert that spirit is absent from the physical world, accessible only to a select few deemed worthy by religious authorities. Meanwhile, science has entirely dismissed the notion of spirit, focusing solely on the material.

Hyperrationalism forms the bedrock of the postmodern condition, positing that all human experience is uniquely subjective and heavily influenced by arbitrary cultural systems. However, it fails to recognize any authentic shared human experience, overlooking the fact that some systems are inherently wired into our being, as evidenced by our five senses and their limitations in grasping reality.

The 20th century saw rationalism reach its zenith, leading Nietzsche to declare the "death of God." Humanity had become intoxicated by its own perceptual powers, striving to eliminate any irrational influences. The century bore witness to horrific outcomes of hyperrationalism—eugenics in Nazi Germany, genocidal regimes in the USSR and China—stemming from our confusion between humanity and divinity. The Enlightenment significantly shifted the human-divinity relationship, but it merely swung the pendulum in the opposite direction. Until we began to grasp the physical truths of the Universe, such as heliocentrism and advancements in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, humanity and the material world were viewed as unholy and unworthy of trust. Hyperrationalism eliminated the concept of divinity, placing humanity atop the hierarchy. We are now presented with the chance to restore balance and affirm our place within the cosmic order. Both sides of this debate possess truths; what is needed is a reevaluation of our definitions of the divine and the mundane. Humanity, like the divine, embodies both good and evil, sacred and profane. God exists within the flow of all things, seen and unseen, and we are integral to this process.

Chapter 2: The Path of Modern Mysticism

The first video titled "The Crisis of Mysticism: Quietism in 17th Century Spain, Italy, and France" explores the historical context of mysticism in relation to modernity. It examines how the spiritual practices of the past can inform our current understanding of meaning in life.

The second video, "Michael Horton - Modern 'Disenchantment' is a Myth," discusses the contemporary perception of disenchantment and its implications for spirituality. It argues against the reductionist view of existence and advocates for a reconnection with deeper truths.

The essence of modern mysticism lies in redirecting our intellectual pursuits toward inner experiences and embracing humility in the face of the unknown. It encourages a belief in the infinite connections that bind our existence to the Universe. Rather than dismissing shared phenomena like dreams, intuitions, or direct mystical experiences, mysticism seeks to honor them while also acknowledging the intellect's role in understanding the physical realm. The core of science is observation, but how can one observe the observer?

In a world rife with competing narratives, modern mysticism offers a remedy against the chaos. Many struggle to confront their inability to grasp the truth, but for the modern mystic, there is room for appreciation, constructive debate, and a rejection of the pervasive animosity that has become all too common. It values scientific inquiry's wisdom while simultaneously exploring the profound mysteries of existence. The heart and mind need not be at odds; they can coexist harmoniously. As Terence McKenna termed it, this phenomenon represents an Archaic Revival—an integration of modern expertise with the spiritual rites of our ancestors. The transformative potential of psychedelics, such as psilocybin or DMT, exemplifies the powerful awakening to realities beyond our immediate comprehension.

The strength of mysticism lies in its validation of subjective experiences, emphasizing the phenomenon of being alive and self-aware. This aspect of existence is often ridiculed within contemporary worldviews, which tend to rationalize the divine and spiritual realms as mere tales to mitigate our fear of death. Mysticism encourages us to engage our doubts and reasoning while remaining open to the mysteries that surround us. It calls for discipline without dictating the path one should take. Since mysticism is rooted in direct experience, the only authority that matters is the individual on the journey. Ancient traditions, many of which persist today, provide valuable insights, and their teachings are best approached as a composite whole. Overlapping practices—such as breath engagement and enhancing awareness—can be found across these traditions.

While mysticism often requires an initial leap of faith, particularly in a world that distracts and weakens our resolve, this faith can lead to profound encounters with the divine. I contend that we encounter the divine frequently, especially in our darkest moments and most significant losses. Yet, we often fail to recognize these encounters for what they are. As one progresses along the mystical path, faith is rewarded with direct experiences that deepen awareness of the mystical dimensions surrounding us, creating a positive feedback loop that enhances our ability to perceive these messages in their myriad forms.

If any of this resonates, know that a truth speaks to you. I will not impose a specific path or method for mystical practice—those choices are deeply personal. However, I will share some of my direct encounters with the divine to illustrate the subtleties of these experiences and the risks of rationalizing them away.

In my early twenties, I was a staunch atheist, firmly entrenched in the material reductionism of modern thought, with my faith rooted in science. My journey reflects the pendulum swings discussed earlier, having been raised Catholic, where the physical body was often viewed with suspicion due to its perceived threat to the soul. Battling severe depression, I had contemplated ending my life. One fateful night, overwhelmed by despair and crying under my desk, I received an unexpected phone call from my father. He expressed an inexplicable, "terrible feeling" that compelled him to reach out and check on me, reminding me of his deep love. While it was common for him to call, his concern was unusual. I could have dismissed this as coincidence, but the emotional weight of the moment insisted otherwise. It was a pivotal event that eventually led me to believe in my capacity for positive change.

Mystical experiences often arise from profound loss. After ending a five-year romantic relationship, I faced another crushing disappointment when I lost my job amid supportive colleagues. Devastated, I took my dogs to the park, and as I stepped outside, rain began to fall, transforming into a downpour by the time we arrived. In that moment, as I danced and played with my dogs, a wave of ecstasy and liberation washed over me. I felt a baptism far more powerful than any I had experienced as a child. Upon returning home, the storm had cleared, and sunlight greeted us.

My connection to the divine is not limited to moments of crisis; I experience it in various ways throughout my days. The love woven into the fabric of existence often brings me to my knees. My journey has been long and fraught with challenges, and I will continue to encounter more. I hope these reflections inspire readers to explore the mysteries within and around them, helping to alleviate hopelessness and restore meaning in a chaotic world.