PRAXIS
& CUSTOMS
First Steps for New Mystriks
Basic Meditation Followed by Affirmations:
After Waking / Before Sleep
* Find a comfortable and peaceful place and space
* Close your eyes
* Relax your body, one part at a time
* Breathe and focus on all the physical sensations associated with breathing. Use other physical sensations, if preferable, wind/fan, nature sounds (wind in trees, bird sounds), gentle music, rain/shower/bath/pool, sun/heat lamp, and even the urban hum of a city.
* Allow intrusive thoughts to come and go. Let them pass.
* Focus on your chosen sensations and breathe.
* Calm your mind, not by tightening your grip but by letting go, unclenching your feelings and thoughts as best you can.
* Relax your body again, one part at a time.
* Breathe and focus on your chosen sensations.
* Allow intrusive thoughts to come and go. Let them pass.
* Calm your mind, not by tightening your grip but by letting go, unclenching your feelings and thoughts as best you can.
* Relax your body again, one part at a time.
* Breathe and focus on your chosen sensations.
* Allow intrusive thoughts to come and go. Let them pass.
* Calm your mind, not by tightening your grip but by letting go, unclenching your feelings and thoughts as best you can.
* Repeat until feeling more refreshed, calmer and more centred.
After Meditation and Throughout the Day:
Affirmations for the Basic Elements of Mystrikism
As we know, expressing negative thoughts can shape a pessimistic mindset. In contrast, positive affirmations, whether deliberately spoken aloud or sub-vocalised, can as powerfully influence our thoughts and mindset by reinforcing your values and principles. Over time, this can rewire the brain's neural pathways, fostering a more optimistic, confident outlook.
Kindness
"My words and actions reflect kindness, patience and understanding."
Honesty
"I uphold honesty and the methods of science to comprehend reality."
Reality
"I ground myself in the natural world, embracing reality as it is."
Humility
"I am humbled by the infinite unknown and my place within it."
Inspiration
"I will stop and savour the sublime moments of awe and wonder that transcends the ordinary."
Pausing to be more Human
In the doctrine of Mystrikism, a critical tenet is the deliberate enhancement of our human nature while simultaneously domesticating our more primal, animalistic baggage. This pursuit is embodied in a contemplative pause, a practice that signifies a moment of intentional reflection, a deliberate break in the continuum of our automatic responses.
Mystrikism champions the enhancement of human consciousness, advocating for a life led by deliberate thought, moral contemplation, and the pursuit of understanding. It posits that within each individual lies the potential for a profound transformation that moves us away from instinctual, survival-driven behaviours towards a more reflective, intentional mode of being. This evolution is not about rejecting our biological heritage but rather about reaching the heights of what our human nature allows: empathy and rationality.
The divergence between our human capabilities and our animal instincts is stark. While most animals typically only act predominantly based on blunt instinct, driven by the fundamental need for survival, humans have the capacity for abstract thought, self-reflection, and ethical reasoning. Our ability to imagine futures, empathise with others and make choices grounded in values rather than mere survival sets us apart. This human capacity for moral judgment, creative expression, and philosophical inquiry underpins a Mystrik’s goal of living a life that transcends the animalistic.
A purposeful pause represents a pivotal moment of choice, a space between stimulus and response where we can exercise our uniquely human capacity to think, reflect, and choose with intention. This concept encourages individuals to halt their automatic reactions, allowing for a moment of contemplation that can lead to more thoughtful, compassionate, and rational decisions. By pausing, we engage in self-examination, questioning not only our immediate impulses but also the broader implications of our actions on ourselves, others, and the world at large.
Incorporating the pause into our daily life is cultivating a mindfulness that permeates our interactions, decisions, and perceptions. It is about developing a habit of stopping to reflect on our motivations, the consequences of our actions, and the alignment of our behaviour with our deepest values. This practice can take many forms, from a brief yet full moment of reflection before responding in a conversation to more extended periods of contemplation when faced with significant life decisions. The essence is to foster a mode of existence where our actions result from deliberate choice rather than unexamined habit.
The scientific method (SM) is a powerful tool in the Mystrik’s arsenal. Many feel that the SM is a philosophy restricted to use in a laboratory. They are profoundly wrong. By applying its basic principles to our everyday lives and decision-making processes, we can approach our lives with the same curiosity, openness, and rigour scientists apply to their inquiries. The SM relies on sufficient time to observe, hypothesise, experiment, and revise. Pausing allows us to challenge our assumptions, test our beliefs, and ultimately, live more intentionally and authentically.
Deliberate contemplation is not merely a cognitive technique but a profound shift towards a more conscious, intentional way of living that embodies the highest aspirations of Mystrikism. It invites us to transcend our primal instincts and fully embrace our capacity for thoughtfulness, empathy, and moral clarity. In doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the creation of a more compassionate, rational, and harmonious world. This practice, rooted in acknowledging our human potential and fallibility, offers a path to a life of greater meaning, purpose, and connection.
Breathing to be More Human
Deliberate, purposeful breathing is one of the foundational elements in maintaining calm and exercising self-control. It bridges the mind and body, directly influencing our emotional state and cognitive clarity. Mystrikism’s blended breathing technique described below has been verified by scientifically controlled testing. This method aligns with the Union’s philosophy of pausing, allowing us to reflect and respond with intention rather than impulsivity.
This practice combines the techniques of Box Breathing and Mindful Breathing into a single, versatile method that can be used in moments of sudden stress and calmer, more reflective situations. This technique is designed to be simple, effective, and easy to remember, making it a universal tool for Mystriks to maintain calm, clarity, and control.
How to Practice the Blended Breathing Technique
1. Inhale Calmly Through Your Nose for 4 Seconds:
Start by taking a deep, steady breath through your nose for a count of four. As you inhale, focus on feeling the air enter your nostrils, fill your lungs, and expand your belly. This slow, deep inhalation helps oxygenate your blood and prepare your body for relaxation.
As you inhale, you might feel a slight cooling sensation in your nostrils, and your chest and abdomen expand. This can give a sense of fullness and readiness, preparing your body to relax. This step can create an immediate feeling of calm and centeredness, almost like taking a sip of fresh air that energises and relaxes simultaneously.
New practitioners might find it challenging to inhale for a full count of four. If you struggle, start with a shorter count and gradually work your way up. Focus on smooth, even breaths rather than rushing.
2. Hold Your Breath for 4 Seconds:
Once you have inhaled fully, hold your breath for another count of four. During this brief pause, the oxygen you’ve taken in has time to be absorbed by your bloodstream, providing a moment of stillness that helps reset your body’s stress response.
Holding your breath can create a sensation of stillness and control. It may feel like a pause button on stress, allowing a moment to gather your thoughts and stay present. This can also create a subtle sense of tension that builds anticipation for the release.
If holding your breath feels uncomfortable, you might be holding it too tightly. Relax your muscles and hold gently, without clenching. It’s not about tensing up but about maintaining a peaceful pause.
3. Exhale Slowly Through Your Mouth for 6 Seconds:
Exhale slowly and completely through your mouth for a count of six. This longer exhalation activates your parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and slowing your heart rate. Imagine that you are releasing any tension or stress with your breath.
As you exhale, you might notice a warming sensation in your throat and a feeling of tension melting away. This step can bring a sense of release and relaxation, like letting go of a heavy weight. The longer the exhale, the more soothing it is. It can also slow your racing thoughts, making you feel more grounded.
Beginners might exhale too quickly, especially if they feel tense. To slow down, try pursing your lips slightly, which can help regulate the airflow and make it easier to extend the exhalation. Focus on making the exhale smooth and even.
4. Pause and Reflect for 2 Seconds:
After exhaling, take a brief two-second pause before starting the next cycle. Use this moment to feel the calmness settle over you and to check in with your body and mind. This pause is an opportunity to connect with your inner state, aligning with the Mystrik philosophy of pausing to be more human.
This brief pause may feel like a moment of clarity and peace, a still point where you can simply be. It can feel like a reset, a space where nothing needs to happen, and you can enjoy the calm sensation flowing through you.
If your mind wanders during the pause, gently bring your focus back to your breath. This pause isn’t about doing or thinking but about simply being present. Treat it as a mini-meditation within the breathing cycle.
The Cycle: 4-4-6-2
-
Inhale for 4 seconds (through the nose)
-
Hold for 4 seconds
-
Exhale for 6 seconds (through the mouth)
-
Pause for 2 seconds
Repeat this cycle for several minutes or until you feel calm and centred.
Why with Blended Breathing Works:
Combines the Benefits of Both Techniques - This method integrates the structured nature of Box Breathing with the awareness of Mindful Breathing. The 4-4-6-2 rhythm is simple enough to be used in high-stress situations and flexible enough to support longer meditative sessions.
Activates the Relaxation Response - The extended exhalation (6 seconds) effectively stimulates the vagus nerve, helping reduce the fight-or-flight response. This promotes a state of calmness and relaxation, making it easier to manage sudden emotional or stressful situations.
Promotes Mindfulness and Presence - Incorporating a pause at the end of each breath cycle encourages you to be present and mindful of your internal state. This aligns with the Mystrik value of reflection, helping you to pause, assess your emotions, and choose your response consciously.
Easy to Remember and Practice - The 4-4-6-2 pattern is straightforward and easy to recall, making it a practical tool for any Mystrik. Whether you’re in the middle of a tense situation or taking a moment for yourself, you can quickly engage in this breathing exercise to regain composure and clarity.
Using the Breathing Technique in Daily Life:
During Stressful Moments - If you feel overwhelmed or anxious, practice this blended technique to regain control quickly. It can be used discreetly in meetings, conversations, or situations where you need to calm your nerves.
Morning Routine - Start your day with a few minutes of purposeful breathing to set a calm, focused tone. This can help you enter your day with clarity and a grounded mindset.
Evening Wind-Down - Use these exercises before bed to release the day’s tension and prepare your mind for restful sleep. This practice can help improve sleep quality and overall relaxation.
Transition Times - Integrate this practice into transition periods throughout your day, such as before entering a new environment or after completing a challenging task. This will help you maintain a steady, mindful presence.
By practising these simple breathing exercises, Mystriks can navigate the complexities of life with greater calmness, presence, and intentionality.
The studies below support the benefits of controlled and mindful breathing techniques for managing stress and promoting relaxation.
Jerath, R., Edry, J. W., Barnes, V. A., & Jerath, V. (2006). Physiology of long pranayamic breathing: Neural respiratory elements may provide a mechanism that explains how slow deep breathing shifts the autonomic nervous system.
Medical Hypotheses, 67*(3), 566-571.
Zeidan, F., Johnson, S. K., Gordon, N. S., & Goolkasian, P. (2010). Effects of brief and sham mindfulness meditation on mood and cardiovascular variables.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16*(8), 867-873.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Meditation
Step 1 - Set a Time
-
Decide on a specific time each day for your meditation practice. The beginning and end of your day are best. It is recommended that you set a positive tone for the day and end it with peace.
-
However, any time of the day or night is the right time. You almost can’t stop and meditate too much, especially when starting out.
Step 2 - Choose a Suitable Space
-
Select a peaceful place where you won't be disturbed. After you master this, any space, peaceful or not, will not matter. In fact, a master can use the sensations of chaos around them as part of the technique (see later). This could be a dedicated meditation corner in your home, the top of a hill, a peaceful garden spot, or a tranquil area in a nearby park. Any place that will give you space, privacy and safety. Sometimes, the perfect spot is one you would never consider at first, like a prosaic location like a bus stop or a stall in a clean bathroom.
-
Ensure the space is clean and clutter-free to create a calm environment.
-
If weather permits, sitting outside under the sky or deliberately exposing yourself to the elements can augment your meditation.
-
When you get better at it, over time, you will be able to meditate even while being active, like when walking or hiking.
Step 3 - Get into a Comfortable Position
-
Use a meditation cushion or chair to support a comfortable posture. On the ground is ideal but not crucial.
-
Sit comfortably with your back straight but relaxed. If you sit in a chair (many prefer that for comfort), have your bare feet flat on the ground (if feasible)
-
Rest your hands by your side, on your knees, or in your lap.
Step 4 - Focus on Physical Sensations
-
Close your eyes to minimise distractions, and take a few initial deep breaths to settle your body into your physical space, making any adjustments to ensure comfort. Relax your body, part by part, and gently shake and wiggle off any tension with your hands and fingers, neck and shoulders, torso and butt, feet and toes.
-
Begin by focusing on your natural breath. Notice the sensation of the air entering and leaving your nostrils, mouth and lungs. For those who have trouble using their imaginations due to mental illness or other mental uniqueness, don’t be put off. It’s not about imagining your breath but physically feeling it enter and leave your body.
-
The use of our breath in this exercise is the most common. Still, if your breath doesn’t suit your situation, It is all about sensation. You can use other alternatives like the wind from the weather or a fan, the warmth of the sun or heat lamp, rain or bathroom shower on your skin, the sounds of nature (bird sounds, movement of the leaves in the trees, the rumble of thunder), the urban hum from a city or road nearby, or even the absoluteness of pure silence, a sensation in itself.
-
If your mind starts to wander or intrusive thoughts distract you, gently and patiently bring your focus back to your chosen point of attention. These intrusive thoughts will pass if you allow them to. When you first start out, this is a hurdle that takes practice to learn composure to overcome this issue. Your emotional reaction to these thoughts slows down how quickly they pass, so if you can, sensate out those feelings. Acknowledge them, let your sensations move them on, wash, breathe or blow them away. Some days, especially when starting out, this must be done often. Quite often, in fact. That’s natural and ok. Even masters cannot always entirely dispel these intrusions, but we can drown them in our chosen sensations of breath, rain, wind, warmth or sound. You must be patient with yourself.
-
You WILL get better. Consistency is key. Learning it is addictive and life-changing. Even a few minutes each day can lead to significant benefits over time.
Step 5 - Augment the Principles of Mystrikism
-
Once you enter the groove, it’s like being in love; you will know. Give yourself time, whatever time you have available, to enjoy this mental space. Once the time feels right to you, it’s time to make particular use of it.
-
Open your eyes and gaze at the sky with its macro-expanse of clouds, stars, or the clear blue yonder. If you are indoors, turn your attention to the micro-texture and colour of something tiny nearby. These techniques will help you recognise and remind you how you are both an intrinsic and interconnected part of the universe while simultaneously representing an infinitesimal and insignificant cog in the vast cosmic machine. Recognising your place in the scheme of things will put all your worries, pride and desires into humble perspective.
-
Close your eyes again, recentre using your sensations as before. This time, consider the acts of kindness you could potentially perform during the day ahead. Contemplate how best to enact the principles of Mystrikism, kindness, humility, rationality and wonder. How can I be kinder to myself and others? Is there someone in my life that needs help? Who might really need a kind word, deserved or not? How can I savour those special moments that come around unexpectedly? How can I pause and give myself time to think and act critically, not reactively? How can I avoid automatic thinking and animal kneejerk responses?
Step 6 - Gradually Return to the Present
-
As the meditation comes to an end, gradually bring your awareness back to the present moment.
-
Take a few deep breaths and slowly open your eyes again.
-
Spend a few moments reflecting on how you feel. Notice any changes in your mood or mindset.
Meditation is a fundamental and essential practice in Mystrikism, serving as a rational alternative to prayer. While prayer was humanity's earliest effort to soothe our animal nature and express humility, meditation achieves these goals without relying on superstition. By incorporating meditation into your daily routine, you can experience a calming effect that extends throughout your day and into your sleep, even from your initial, perhaps awkward, attempts. This practice also sets a mindful tone for the day, like a composing ripple in a pond, encouraging actions that align with the principles of the Union.
Avoiding Cognitive Dissonance as a Mystrik
Cognitive dissonance occurs when an individual experiences a mental conflict between their beliefs, values, or attitudes and their actions or new information. This conflict leads to an internal drive to reduce the dissonance and achieve consonance. Without effective strategies and attitudes to manage this phenomenon, our ethics and integrity are often the primary causality.
Embracing the idea that imperfection is inherent to the human experience is essential to navigating cognitive dissonance. Mystrikism is about aiming for continuous improvement rather than being perfect or even close to it.
Mystrikism encourages viewing each moment as an opportunity for learning and growth, focusing on gradual and mindful improvement. It is about being pointed in the right direction and striving to be kinder, more honest, and more inspired. By maintaining this perspective, Mystriks can handle life’s complexities with poise and integrity, enriching their experience and guiding them on a path of continuous self-improvement.
Cognitive dissonance can manifest in various psychological and behavioural symptoms and, ultimately, to real-life consequences:
Symptoms
Cognitive dissonance occurs when actions contradict beliefs, causing mental discomfort such as anxiety, stress, and guilt. People rationalise their actions by justifying them or ignoring contradictory information. Avoidance behaviours, like procrastination and denial, are common. Emotional reactions include frustration, anger, and embarrassment when facing conflicting beliefs and actions.
Consequences
Cognitive dissonance can lead to behavioural changes, either aligning actions with beliefs or adopting new beliefs. It can cause chronic stress, lowering self-esteem, and straining relationships. Decision-making becomes difficult, often resulting in poor choices. Persistent dissonance may lead to depression and anxiety disorders.
Potential Sources
1. Kindness versus Real-World Interactions
A Mystrik aims to be kind but finds themselves in a situation where responding kindly might lead to being taken advantage of or ignored.
Example: An employee who consistently is kind and accommodating to a colleague who repeatedly shirks responsibilities feels frustrated and undervalued.
Strategy: Mystrikism encourages kindness but not at the expense of self-respect or enabling harmful behaviour. The employee can practice assertiveness, setting boundaries while maintaining a kind disposition. For instance, they might say, “I’m happy to help, but I also need to ensure my tasks are completed.”
2. Honesty versus Social Harmony
A Mystrik values honesty but fears that being entirely truthful might hurt others' feelings or disrupt social harmony.
Example: A friend asks for an honest opinion on a sensitive topic, and the truth might be painful.
Strategy: Mystrikism supports honesty tempered with empathy. A Mystrik can constructively frame their honesty, focusing on positive aspects and offering suggestions for improvement. For example, “I think you have a strong foundation here, and perhaps a few tweaks could make it even better.”
3. Naturalism versus Cultural Beliefs
A Mystrik embraces a naturalistic worldview but faces pressure from a culturally ingrained belief in the supernatural.
Example: During family gatherings, the Mystrik is expected to participate in rituals or traditions contradicting their naturalistic beliefs.
Strategy: Respectful dialogue and setting personal boundaries can mitigate this dissonance. A Mystrik might explain their perspective and suggest participating in ways that align with their beliefs, such as focusing on the communal aspects rather than the supernatural elements.
4. Inspiration versus Disillusionment
A Mystrik seeks inspiration in the natural world but encounters situations where the harsh realities of life lead to disillusionment.
Example: Witnessing environmental destruction and feeling despair instead of inspiration.
Strategy: Balance inspiration with realistic action. The Mystrik can channel their feelings into efforts for positive change, such as participating in environmental conservation initiatives, thereby transforming disillusionment into a motivating force for good.
5. Emotional Control versus Mystricism's Ideals
A Mystrik strives to embody kindness and honesty but find themselves overwhelmed by frustration and anger in a challenging interaction.
Example: Sarah, a dedicated Mystrik, works in a team setting where one of her colleagues, John, frequently misses deadlines and disrupts meetings with off-topic remarks. Despite her efforts to remain kind and understanding, Sarah grows increasingly frustrated. One day, after John interrupts her presentation with irrelevant comments, Sarah snaps and harshly reprimands him in front of their coworkers. Immediately after, she feels a deep sense of dissonance as her outburst contradicts her values of kindness and humility.
Strategy: Mystrikism promotes practical techniques to manage such situations, including the purposive pause and calming techniques focused on breathing.
Practical Tips for Avoiding Cognitive Dissonance
1. Embracing Imperfection and Growth: A core tenet of Mystrikism is the understanding that perfection is neither expected nor required. Mystrikism values the direction of one’s ethical journey, aiming to be kinder, more honest, and inspired rather than an unyielding state of adamantine perfection. This approach alleviates cognitive dissonance by allowing individuals to acknowledge their shortcomings and continue striving for improvement.
2. Reflect Regularly: Periodic self-reflection helps identify areas of dissonance. Deliberately setting aside time to contemplate, journaling or discussing experiences with fellow Mystriks can provide clarity and support.
3. Seek Balance: Strive for a balanced approach in all aspects of life. Balancing kindness with assertiveness, honesty with empathy, and inspiration with action can prevent cognitive dissonance.
4. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can help maintain focus on Mystrikal values and reduce stress caused by dissonance.
Avoiding cognitive dissonance within Mystrikism involves understanding potential conflicts, applying practical strategies, and embracing imperfection as part of the human experience. Recognising and addressing these challenges, Mystriks can maintain alignment with their values. This approach mitigates cognitive dissonance and enriches their journey toward a more harmonious and enlightened existence.
Embracing Awe:
Part 1 of 3
In our fast-paced world, pausing and appreciating the profound moments of awe and wonder of the natural world can be challenging. Mystrikism, with its foundation in Aweism and naturalised "spirituality", encourages individuals to stop and "smell the roses". This philosophy celebrates the beauty and mystery of the universe without invoking supernatural elements. Integrating moments of awe into our daily lives can enhance our well-being, activate and enliven us, and promote a deeper connection to the world.
Examples of Awe
We experience awe through interactions with nature, sentient creatures, and the unknown.
Morning Walks: Start or end your day with a walk in a nearby park or nature reserve. Pay attention to the details: the dewdrops on leaves, the birds’ songs, the perfumes of nature, or the patterns of sunlight filtering through trees. These small observations can evoke a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world.
Example: Imagine walking through a park at dawn, the air crisp and fresh. As you stroll, you notice the intricate pattern of a spider's web glistening with morning dew, each droplet reflecting the rising sun. This simple observation can fill you with a sense of awe at the delicate complexity of nature.
Nature Bathing and Gardening: Tending to a garden, whether a small window box or a backyard plot, can be a source of daily awe. Watching seeds germinate and grow into thriving plants reminds us of the incredible processes of life.
Example: While tending to your vegetable garden, you observe the transformation of tiny seeds into robust plants bearing fruit. The daily changes, from the first sprout breaking through the soil to the ripening of tomatoes, offer a continual reminder of life's resilience and beauty.
Star Gazing: On clear nights, take a moment to look up at the stars. Contemplate the vastness of the universe and our place within it. The night sky has inspired awe in humans for hundreds of thousands of years and continues to be a profound source of beauty and wonder.
Example: Lying on a blanket in your backyard, you gaze at the night sky. The Milky Way stretches across the darkness, and you spot shooting stars darting through the heavens. The sheer scale and beauty of the cosmos can leave you feeling humbled and inspired.
Travel: Visiting natural wonders, such as the Amazon Rainforest, the Sahara Desert, the Great Barrier Reef, or the Northern Lights, provides unparalleled opportunities to experience awe. These destinations highlight the grandeur and beauty of the natural world on a scale that is difficult to replicate in everyday settings.
Example: Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, you marvel at the rock layers, each telling a story of millions of years of Earth's history. The sheer size and depth of the canyon evoke a profound sense of awe and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Acts of Kindness: Participating in humanitarian efforts or performing acts of kindness and selflessness can evoke a sense of awe in the human "spirit". Volunteering for causes that resonate with you can provide a sense of connection and a positive impact from collective human effort.
Example: Regularly assisting an elderly or disabled neighbour, family member or friend with daily tasks, such as grocery shopping or household chores, can be profoundly rewarding. Over time, you develop a close bond, witnessing your support’s positive impact on their quality of life firsthand. This experience can fill you with awe at the power of human kindness and the deep connections forged through selfless acts.
Ceremonial Gatherings: Mystrikism encourages ceremonies and gatherings celebrating the natural world and human connection. Events such as communal meals, seasonal festivals, and reflective ceremonies provide structured opportunities to experience collective connection.
Example: During a summer solstice festival, you join a group singing and dancing around a bonfire. The shared experience of celebrating the longest day of the year under the open sky fosters a profound sense of unity and connection to nature’s cycles.
Moments of Solitude: Finding inner serenity and peace can be achieved even amidst busyness and noise. You can quiet your mind by focusing on simple elements like your breath, the steam off a cup of tea, or the gentle air movement.
Example: Sitting in a bustling café, you close your eyes and focus on the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body. The surrounding noise fades into the background as you find calm, clarity and inner awe, appreciating the simple act of breathing.
Seeing Beauty in the Prosaic: Beauty is everywhere, even in scenes that may seem devoid of it. Observing the intricate details of your surroundings can reveal the ubiquitous sublimity of reality. Consider moments like sitting in an office, waiting at a bus stop, enduring a dull meeting, or gazing at an overcast sky.
Example: Notice the delicate grain patterns in the timber of the bus stop seat, the white noise hum of the office air conditioner, the intricate play of thought and emotion on the faces of those around you in the meeting, and the indecipherable movement of clouds with their hues of grey in the sky. Each of these details reveals the inherent beauty and wonder of the world around us.
Embracing Awe:
Part 2 of 3
Techniques to Savour Moments of Awe
To fully embrace and relish these moments, engaging your senses and being present is essential. Here are some techniques to help you stop and appreciate the awe-inspiring moments in life:
Stopping and Pausing: During your busy day, take a deliberate pause. Whether walking, working, or simply sitting, permit yourself to stop for a moment. This pause creates a space for awareness and sets the stage for experiencing awe.
Example: You're walking to work and notice a beautiful sunrise. Instead of rushing, stop for a minute. Watch the colours change and feel the moment's serenity.
Breathing: Focus on your breath. Take slow, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. This simple mindful breathing helps ground you in the present moment and heightens your sensory awareness.
Example: While sitting in a park, close your eyes and take deep breaths. Feel the fresh air fill your lungs, and with each exhale, let go of any tension, allowing yourself to become more attuned to your surroundings.
Listening: Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you. Whether it's the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, or the distant hum of city life, immersing yourself in the auditory landscape can evoke a deep sense of connection to your surroundings.
Example: At home, close your eyes and listen to the rain tapping against your window. Focus on the rhythm and variations in sound, letting it transport you to a place of calm and wonder.
Smelling: Engage your sense of smell by taking in the scents around you. The aroma of fresh flowers, the earthy scent of soil, or the fragrance of rain can be incredibly evocative, enhancing your experience of the moment.
Example: In a garden, take a moment to smell a blooming flower. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, letting the fragrance evoke memories and emotions connecting you to nature.
Touching: Use your sense of touch to connect with the physical world. Run your fingers over the bark of a tree, feel the texture of a leaf, or dip your hands in a stream. These tactile experiences anchor you in the present and deepen your connection to nature.
Example: While hiking, stop and touch the rough bark of a tree. Feel its texture and temperature, grounding yourself in the experience and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Focusing on Detail: Take a close look at the intricate details around you. Observe the patterns on a butterfly's wings, the veins in a leaf, or the way sunlight dances on water. Focusing on these small details can magnify your sense of wonder and appreciation.
Example: While sitting by a lake, watch the sunlight sparkle on the water's surface. Notice how the light shifts and changes, creating a mesmerising dance that draws you into the moment.
Unfocusing for Broader Scope: After focusing on the details, shift your perspective to take in the broader scene. Look at the entire landscape, the vastness of the sky, or the expanse of the horizon. This shift in focus can help you appreciate the larger context and the interconnectedness of all things.
Example: After observing the patterns on a leaf, look up and take in the entire forest. Appreciate the diversity and scale of life around you, feeling a profound sense of belonging within the natural world.
By incorporating these techniques into your daily life, you can cultivate a deeper connection to the world around you and enhance your ability to savour moments of awe.
Seeing Beauty in the Prosaic: Beauty is everywhere, even in scenes that may seem devoid of it. Observing the intricate details of your surroundings can reveal the ubiquitous sublimity of reality. Consider moments like sitting in an office, waiting at a bus stop, enduring a dull meeting, or gazing at an overcast sky.
Example: Notice the delicate grain patterns in the timber of the bus stop seat, the white noise hum of the office air conditioner, the intricate play of thought and emotion on the faces of those around you in the meeting, and the indecipherable movement of clouds with their hues of grey in the sky. Each of these details reveals the inherent beauty and wonder of the world around us.
Embracing Awe:
Part 3 of 3
The Incomprehensible and Ineffable
A crucial aspect of these awe-inspiring moments is recognising and embracing the incomprehensible, ineffable elements that are ultimately unknown. These experiences remind us of the vastness of the universe and our limited understanding, invoking a profound sense of humility and wonder.
Accepting the Mystery: Some things cannot be fully understood or articulated. The beauty of a sunset, the complexity of life, or the depth of human emotion often transcend words and logic. Embracing this mystery adds depth to the experience of awe.
Example: Watching a breathtaking sunset, feel the colours and light shift, creating a sense of beauty that words can't capture. Accept that this moment's essence goes beyond explanation, and enjoy the experience.
Finding Joy in the Unknown: Revel in the fact that there are still uncharted territories of knowledge and experience. The unknown is not a dark abyss to be feared, but a radiant beacon of endless curiosity and inspiration. Releasing the need to fully comprehend can unlock doors to more profound, meaningful experiences.
Example: While stargazing, marvel at the vastness of space and the countless stars. Feel joy knowing there is still so much to learn and discover, and let this curiosity inspire you.
Communing with the Infinite: Recognize that these instances of awe link you to forces beyond your individual existence. Whether it’s the vastness of the universe or the intricacies of a single blossom, these encounters underscore our place in the grand tapestry of existence. This connection can evoke a sense of kinship and deep "spiritual" contentment.
Example: Observe the intricate details of a flower, from its petals to its fragrance. Understand that this small yet complex piece of nature is part of a much larger system, and feel a sense of connection to the entire universe.
Savouring moments of naturalised 'spiritual' transcendence involves nurturing awareness and admiration for the splendour and intricacy of life. Whether through daily rituals, extraordinary experiences, or profound human bonds, incorporating awe into our lives enhances our being and nurtures a deeper bond with the world around us. Mystrikism’s focus on Aweism and naturalised 'spirituality' provides a structure for experiencing and commemorating these moments, amplifying personal and communal welfare.
By embracing these moments of awe, we enrich our lives and contribute to a culture that values and respects the natural world and human experience. In doing so, we align ourselves with the principles of Mystrikism, finding "spiritual" fulfilment in the natural and the real and celebrating the incomprehensible and ineffable mysteries that make life so profoundly beautiful.
Pride and Hubris: Balancing Confidence and Humility
Pride is a multifaceted emotion that embodies self-worth, confidence, and a sense of achievement. However, pride can be a double-edged sword if not vigilantly domesticated, often leading to conflict and adverse outcomes.
Evolutionary Origins of Pride
From an evolutionary perspective, pride likely developed to enhance individual status and promote social cohesion within groups. It can act as an emotional mechanism that signals one's accomplishments and abilities to others, thus facilitating survival and social bonding. Pride represents an instinctual aspect of human nature, an automatic response that often operates beyond conscious control.
Pride is ultimately hollow and empty, all heat but no light. It often deceives both others and oneself. More measurable and objective ways exist to assess an individual's inherent value for personal respect, mate selection, or leadership roles. These criteria include capacity for kindness and compassion, physical health, attractiveness, intelligence, natural alignment with rationality, credibility perception, problem-solving skills, adaptability, emotional temperance, impulse control, social skills, and other innate genetic traits and positive heritable behaviours.
The Animal Nature of Pride
Pride is automatic and animal. It represents the outward emotional manifestation of our DNA, striving to protect and ensure its insatiable goal of survival and genetic longevity. The issue is that this primal reaction plays checkers in the complex modern world of 3D chess.
Pride can be seen as a vestige of our primitive instincts, an emotional tool that once played a crucial role in our biological, cultural, and technological evolution. However, in the modern world, this instinctual pride can become misaligned with more complex social dynamics, leading to the following issues:
-
Arrogance and Superiority: Excessive pride can manifest as arrogance, fostering a sense of superiority over others and resulting in disrespect and a lack of empathy.
-
Isolation: Prideful individuals may alienate themselves, leading to social isolation and difficulty forming meaningful connections.
-
Resistance to Criticism: Those with excessive pride often struggle to accept criticism, hindering personal growth and development.
-
Conflict and Tension: Pride can create conflicts in personal and professional relationships due to an unwillingness to compromise or acknowledge others' viewpoints.
-
Stagnation: A prideful attitude can lead to complacency and resistance to change, impeding further improvement or innovation.
-
Poor Decision-Making: Overconfidence from pride can cloud judgment, resulting in risky or uninformed decisions.
-
Emotional Strain: Maintaining a facade of superiority can lead to stress, anxiety, and a lack of genuine self-worth.
-
Ethical and Moral Issues: Excessive pride can result in unethical or immoral behaviour due to a belief in one's infallibility.
-
Reduced Learning Opportunities: Pride can prevent individuals from seeking advice, mentorship, or new knowledge, limiting their growth.
-
Societal Impact: On a larger scale, pride can contribute to elitism, discrimination, and inequality, perpetuating social divisions.
Domestication of Pride
To prevent hubris and harness any vestigial positive aspects of pride, it is essential to cultivate self-awareness and humility. Here are some practical strategies:
-
Regular Self-Assessment: Periodically evaluate your actions and attitudes to ensure they stem from genuine intention rather than pride.
-
Seek Feedback: Encourage honest feedback from others and accept criticism constructively.
-
Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge and appreciate others' contributions, recognising that success is often a collective effort.
-
Acknowledge Limitations: Accept that you do not know everything and that there is always more to learn. Admitting mistakes and shortcomings is a sign of strength.
-
Acknowledge Failure: View failures as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as personal defeats.
-
Practice Active Listening: Truly listen to other’s perspectives and experiences, enhancing empathy and reducing self-centred thinking.
-
Surround Yourself with Diverse Voices: Engage with people from different backgrounds and viewpoints to challenge your assumptions and broaden your perspective.
-
Develop Strong Mentorships: Seek mentors who exemplify humility and wisdom to provide a counterbalance to pride.
-
Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness or meditation to stay present and aware of your thoughts and feelings and manage your prideful tendencies.
-
Gratitude Meditation: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and the contributions of others, fostering gratitude and reducing self-importance.
-
Celebrate Team Successes: When achieving goals, celebrate the team’s success rather than focusing solely on individual accomplishments.
-
Awe and Wonder: Embrace the sublime mystery of the cosmos, as Mystricism advocates. This perspective can subdue ego and foster humility.
Integrating these practices into daily life allows you to effectively manage pride and prevent hubris, leading to more balanced and fulfilling personal, professional and societal relationships.
Protecting Well-Being and Reducing Harm
It’s easy to imagine how individuals or groups with significant power; governments, corporations, organisations, and prominent influencers, have the ability to protect or increase well-being and reduce harm on a grand scale. Their decisions ripple outward, profoundly impacting humanity, the environment, and countless life forms and ecosystems. Today, metrics like those used by governments or the United Nations help measure the effectiveness of these efforts on overall well-being. Indicators such as access to clean drinking water, air quality, education standards, ecological regeneration, personal freedoms, and even satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into how policies and actions contribute to collective flourishing.
But what about the individual level? How can we embody these values in our personal lives, in the minutia of daily life? While we may lack the sweeping power of institutions, each of us contributes to the broader picture through our interactions and choices.
At times, the effects of our actions can feel small or even invisible, especially when viewed from our limited “ant’s-eye” perspective. It may seem as though a single act of kindness, a moment of restraint, an effort to protect, or a decision to conserve resources makes no real difference. In these moments, it’s helpful to remember that we are all part of a vast, interconnected system. Imagine the exponential impact of billions of people mirroring your small, positive actions. One act of kindness can become a tidal wave of compassion; one effort to reduce harm can multiply into a global shift toward empathy, conservation, and repair. Every seemingly insignificant step contributes to a larger movement, and every individual effort matters more than we can immediately see.
Well-being isn’t just shaped by laws or policies; it’s cultivated through the countless small decisions we make every day as individuals to be compassionate, humble, and aware.
When even the most basic challenges arise, ask yourself: “How can I respond in a way that reduces harm and protects or improves the well-being of all involved?” It’s about creating space for understanding, growth, and the possibility of connection. Even in small actions, there is power to transform the world.
