Earth Energy Reader (in The Shift Has Hit the Fan blog) shares an interesting comparison from Chris Hedges, on the similarities between mystics and rebels, and a few related musings.
In a time and culture of Spiritual Entertainment and commoditized, (sometimes referred to as) ‘plastic’ or faux, surface-skimming spirituality, or spiritual bypass, it’s a good distinction to make.
But actual transformation, or transformed nonconformists as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King spoke of it (more on that below)? That’s a vital type of engaged spiritual or mystic activism, as it’s called.
It’s messy, though; gritty, difficult … inconvenient … so there’s a reason why it’s a more rare bird that flies in that direction.
Perhaps that’s why it’s a calling rather than a choice if you are so called; it’s a call you can’t ignore or hang up on when it gets inconvenient or downright ugly, and it definitely gets inconvenient and downright ugly at times.
As I think of several of my Mystic Heroes and Heroines along the way, I’m inclined to agree that yes, there are ways that true mystics — definitely outside the ‘normal’ of their (our) times — are like rebels. And vice versa, in the ways Chris Hedges describes.
If you follow the Mystic Breadcrumb trail, you’ll see what I mean (Thomas Merton, Julian of Norwich, and most assuredly Theresa of Avila … and others). Perhaps a followup post on those inspiring Mystic-Rebelles is in order, because they deserve it…okay, it’s on the writing list.
In the meanwhile, Earth Energy Reader’s post is a very worthy, and heart-and-thought-stirring, read.
It also reminds me of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s evocative phrases: Creative Maladjustment and Transformed Nonconformists (I wrote about that here – definitely Mystic-Rebel goin’ on there, and very inspiring if you are one!).
And a recent article sharing contemporary Mystic and Teacher, Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee’s recent interview in Parabola Magazine (scroll a few posts from the Sophia’s Children home page and you’ll see it).
Mystics. Rebels. Transformed Nonconformists. We have a theme brewing here …
Big Love,
Jamie
December 7, 2015 at 10:55 pm
I like this one! Also, “The Shift Has Hit the Fan” makes me giggle every time. Reminds me, too, as you recently quoted, “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” – Krishnamurti
Now if only they were actual breadcrumbs. Carry along some butter, good to go…. 😉 xxoo Dayna
December 8, 2015 at 4:49 pm
I do appreciate that dry-witted quip from Jiddu Krishnamurti (and how fabulous a name is Jiddu?).
I think John Lennon voiced a version of that thought in an interview once, too: ““I think our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I expressed it differently all through my life. But NOW I can put it into that sentence that I think we’re being run by maniacs for maniacal ends, you know. I think they’re all insane. But I am liable to be put away as insane for expressing that, you know. That’s what is insane about it.”
xoxo Jamie
December 11, 2015 at 8:20 am
Great intro. Yes, this deserves many reblogs and then some. The dissolution of consensus values that occurs in that transformation from base lead into gold is an inevitable part of the process. I think if we’re not at least pissing off somebody, then I don’t think were getting it right. Not that this is my aim. I’m just trying to be the most authentic version of myself that I can be. But you quickly discover that in the kind of spiritually and emotionally disembodied society that humanity has developed into, being fully grounded and genuinely self-sovereign equates to a form of cultural heresy.
December 11, 2015 at 5:35 pm
Brilliant, Leeby. Co-lucidity. Cultural heresy. The alchemy of lead into gold. Oh yeah.
Don’t you just love how those words come through? Speaking of cultural (dominant-cult) heresy, I’ve just received the C. Hedges book mentioned in that post, so it’s on my reading table.
And in terms of Astro-energetic dynamics or streams, Uranus in Aries tangoing with various other Archetypal-force planetary-peeps is definitely engaging these questions, ‘stirring it up’, agitating the system (Natural Systems Theory term there, but we can see how that works, ya?), provoking us out of calcified (and coming nigh on toxic, if not already) status quo.
Abraham Lincoln knew well about the futility and ridiculousness of ‘trying to please all of the people, all of the time’, and generally, if we open our mouths and share authentically at all, even if we do it diplomatically or considerately, there will always be those people who flip out at any belief or opinion that doesn’t affirm and clone their own (anything else disturbs or agitates THEIR comfie-cozy status quo. And to be kind, or at least fair, it’s not easy to have our ‘truths’ shaken, or to dare to explore more deeply).
I’m looking forward to reading your post that includes the ‘co-lucidity’ in the article title. In the meanwhile, I’m savoring your comment. Oh the conversations we’d have if sharing a table, some food, and a good bev, eh? Until then, here’s to a most excellent cyber-conversation.
xoxo Love, Jamie
December 12, 2015 at 1:54 am
Ditto to that. Awesome convo indeed. Yes, Chris hedges floats my boat something fierce. He’s a modern day Hunter S. Thompson. Utterly fearless! Stoked you turned me onto his mojo. Worth getting a couple of Paul Levy books on your list. I noticed Sting is a big fan of his work and as Sting is one of my greatest humanitarian and musical idols so it’s a beautiful synchronicity. Drawn by the shared resonance methinks. Yes, so many books, so little time. So many beautiful people to share with. Life is good. Many thanks for your unabating support and enthusiasm. Much Love and blessings xoxo