Daily Mysticism

In his book, Seeds of Sensitivity, Robert Wicks writes of the need for daily mysticism. In his opinion, daily mysticism, that is, an awarenss of the continual presence of God, starts with awareness of the natural life we have all around us. This implies giving heed to those we live and work with, and refusing to let unreasonable expectations about ourselves and others rule our lives. Wicks writes:

                                  We can't prevent time from moving along. We can't avoid the natural
                                  presence of expectations--unreasonable and sensible. But we can have
                                  a better sense of identity. This makes living sensitively in the time we
                                  do have a greater possibility. Without it we are like observers, watching
                                  ourselves live, wandering in a "fog." (58)

And so daily mysticism, according to Wick, begins with a better ideal of our own identity. Such identity cannot be found without a certain openness. To see oneself in a mirror of reflection isn't enough. That reflection must also be authentic, and accepted. Such tasks are accomplished when our identity is connected to the presence of God.

Wick gives a list of the obstacles that come to us in this quest. He writes:

                                  Life in general, sad to say, is...preoccupied with control, worry, and
                                  the need to see "purpose" in the things around us, and so we have no
                                 sense of balance in our lives. Our lives are not fed by a fresh spring of
                                 reality. Rather, we live a stagnant existence tethered to our needs, fears,
                                 and desires--much of which are fed by often well-meaning people around
                                 us. (52)

Such obstacles challenge us, because they are the "stuff" of everyone's life. In effect, Wick is telling us that daily mysticism requires that we approach life in a different way, a more reflective way, a more introspective way, a more sensitive way.