Spiritual Experiences

It took three or four years for my body to relax enough so that I could trust it to sleep at night and stay still in public places.  I think the experience of dramatic physical sensations left me with an enhanced sense of vibrancy, a sensual liveliness that I enjoy and that pleases me.  I’m convinced, though,  that hatha yoga and t’ai chi also develop liveliness, less disruptively.  I’m also sure that the energetic route my practice followed is not a necessary one for developing insight.  Some people become wise very gently, just by paying attention.  Sometimes, when I saw that happening to my friends, I envied them.  Then, of course, I had the extra pain, the suffering, of envy-- Sylvia Boorstein, That’s Funny, You Don’t Look Buddhist

    Over the last year at my book signings, I occasionally have had people ask me whether I have “spiritual experiences.”  I assumed they meant some sort of mystical, unusual, otherworldly, or ecstatic experiences.  At first I would answer them, but after a while I realized that many were asking the question because there is a great deal of emphasis these days on instant enlightenment and mystical experiences without people necessarily seeking spiritual  understanding and maturity.  Once I realized that an answer about my own experiences wouldn’t be helpful in reaching their spiritual goals, I responded by telling them my understanding of the value and meaning of the spiritual experience.

    When we pursue the spiritual life, most of us, either consciously or subconsciously, hope for deep mystical or enlightenment experiences.  We might think that they are a reflection of the depth of our spiritual wisdom.  We might think (for those who believe in God) that those experiences reflect God’s showering us with grace.  If we’re not having those experiences, we might think that we’re not spiritual enough, or that we’re not practicing hard enough or correctly, or that there’s something wrong with us.

    In talking to a number of spiritual and religious teachers, however, I’ve discovered that these experiences are a “gift.”  We don’t know why we receive or experience them.  We don’t know what they tell us about our spiritual life.  And we frankly don’t know why some people receive them and others don’t.  In addition, some mystical or spiritual experiences are subtle, rather than of the fireworks variety, and we can simply practice opening up to those gentle, fulfilling moments, instead of looking for blockbuster events.

    There are a number of drawbacks to having dramatic spiritual experiences.  If we are prone to having them, we may think that they are a substitute for serious study and practice, and become superficial in how we pursue our own spiritual path.  We may also feel that we are entitled to them, and become angry when they are infrequent or disappear.  We may crave them, and find ourselves focusing on a mystical occurrence, and forget that our practice is about more than having frequent peak experiences.

    I remember reading a story recently about Mother Theresa.  Early in her life she had a deeply mystical experience that filled her life with the love of, and connection with, God.  After a time, however, she seemed to have lost that intimate connection with God, and never quite recovered it.  And yet her devotion and faith, her spiritual and religious life, carried her through long periods of anguish and isolation.  She never doubted the importance of practicing, even while yearning for that cherished relationship she’d once had.  Her faith, profoundly nourished by years of practice and prayer, helped her maintain her path.

    How do we avoid the pitfalls or delusions about spiritual or mystical experiences?  We can simply notice our desires and cravings regarding experience, and not make it right or wrong.  When we have quiet moments, we can also open ourselves up to the Divine experience and appreciate the subtle glory of being alive and connected to the universe.  We can remind ourselves of the wisdom and rewards of the spiritual path, and appreciate the simple gifts we’ve received along the way.  Finally, we can immerse ourselves in our practices, whatever they may be—prayer, meditation, singing, journaling, walking or running—and know in our hearts that this moment, this very moment, captures the boundless beauty, magic, and grace of being alive.  That may be the ultimate spiritual experience.

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In addition to her spiritual practices, Susan R. Quinn of the Quinn Company has been an independent consultant and trainer since 1978.  She specializes in facilitation of problem solving for teams and groups in conflict.  She is certified to train using the DiSC Personal Profile System.  Her other best-received training programs are “Dealing with Difficult People,”  “Managing Conflict,” and “Learning to Live in the Eye of the Hurricane.”  She also offers values clarification workshops, and strategic planning services in partnership with her husband, Jerry.  You can reach Susan at the Quinn Company, 246 Via Presa, San Clemente, CA  92672, (949) 366-5890, or email susanquinn@earthlink.net.