As we begin to develop qualities of mind like Mindfulness and Compassion we start our journey into what many cultures have called the mystical aspects of consciousness. The reason these parts of our sentience are called mystical is because they deal with the world of the “Unseen”. They deal with aspects of reality that, although just as (if not more) true than physical reality, are not readily apparent to the unfocused mind.

When we practice mindfulness, whether it be by following the breath, repeating a mantra, or simply by maintaining awareness in the present moment, we undergo a transformation where we start to see reality as it really is. With enough practice we start to see ourselves and the world around us in a complete picture, as opposed to a blurry photograph of “Now” imposed onto the backdrop of past and future. 

The beautiful thing about seeing the Now as it really is, is that it allows us to make accurate assessments of our situation, it allows us to feel fully what it means to be a sentient being in this cosmos. To look at the stars with an unclouded mind and truly see them for what they are we do not see the faint images of nebulae and galaxies, instead the things we see far off in the sky with our great big telescopes are not foreign. When we look at the heavens we are looking at ourselves.

This mystical unity is a powerful experience, one that connects many to what may some may say is a universal higher power. A cosmic consciousness. This experience can be tremendously frightening at first, especially if one does not have the background knowledge of mysticism to explain what they are going through.

As we would do with any frightening experience though the answer is to sit with it. That is the answer to all of this, all of creation, all of existence. Whenever anything happens we must be with it, this is not a means of non action. In fact this is the only logical recourse we can take before action. When we practice being and mindfulness we learn that any situation, any paradox imposed on us is an extension of ourselves. 

This is the wondrous benefit of the first time you sit out in front of the stars with a clear mind. You look out at that massive, infinitely large, expanse of space and you come to the quiet realization that no matter how many lightyears away you get from where you are right now. No matter how far one strays in space or time, the only thing you will see out there in the depths of the cosmos is yourself.