Michael A. Michaileye552
Copyright © 2012
All rights reserved

The natural world, the universe, is a big place. There are billions of galaxies, trillions of stars and untold numbers of planets. Living things thrive throughout all creation. On Earth alone there exist some 9 million known species with the likelihood of many more millions yet to be discovered. Yet, most of us seem to go through life thinking we are the only creature worth a thought – and not even all humanity, but just our own small collection of people.

Similarly, the mystical world is really like an enormous and lavish palace, with countless rooms, long hallways, sweeping staircases, elaborate bathrooms, fully stocked kitchens and pantries, ballrooms, game rooms, and beautiful balconies overlooking lush gardens and breathtaking vistas. And yet most people, even those who might consider themselves metaphysically minded, seem content to live in one or two Spartan rooms – never even thinking of exploring and enjoying the full extent of their dwelling place.

Why is this? Why do we humans choose to limit ourselves? What stops us from accepting and experiencing the splendors of the world around us?

Common reasons are fear of the unknown, lack of faith, and low self-esteem. Through fear and a diminished sense of self-worth the average person pretends to be content to live a life of limitation. It’s easy to say that the wonders of the universe do not exist, or, if they do, they are too hard to get. It appears to some to be much better to keep to an accustomed place in life and never strive for a real sense of living. Oh, of course, it is true that many people seek wealth and fame, prestige and worldly honors – they have no qualms about using and manipulating the people and things around them in order to grab up the rewards they think they should be going for. And many people of this sort do gain the world – but at what price? What makes it ok to chase after and exploit the things of the flesh but to ignore and perhaps mock the things of the spirit?

The beauty and power of the universe, the grandeur of the mystical palace are not things that need to be bought; they cannot be stolen; and no amount of manipulation will help a person acquire them.  Real living is free and available to all – we just need to accept it into our lives. Perhaps this is why people fear and shun the mystical world – they are suspicious of anything so wonderful that is simply given to us as a gift by the universe.

Stepping out of a little bare room and into the magnificence of the mystical palace is easy and also one of the most difficult things that can be done. However, the difficulty comes from the need to change our own mind about reality. We must have confidence that the palace exists, faith enough to believe that our desire to live fully is justified, bravery to face the unknown, strength enough to resist the temptation to stay where we are, and a willingness to embrace the transformation of our heart. It can be done if one will only accept the possibility, stand up, open the door and step through into a new life.

To claim the mystical palace requires an expanded sense of awareness – an imagination and freedom of spirit that will allow them to draw the wonders of the universe into their personal circle of being. The way to expand awareness, raise the consciousness and enlighten the spirit is through meditation.

Meditation is easy. It requires practice and a bit of discipline, but it is easy to learn. While you choose to confine yourself to your little room, like a monk in a cell, why not sit quietly and let your thoughts turn inward to your spirit. Breathe deeply and freely and let all your fears and worries flow out of your life while peace and harmony are allowed to grow within you. Soon you will find your heart growing lighter, your awareness will increase and you will open up to new possibilities in life. In time it will seem like the most obvious and natural thing in the world is to just stand up, walk to the door, turn the knob and step out into the splendor and freedom of the mystical palace. Once you set your feet on the path and begin to explore your real place in the universe, you will be amazed at how truly remarkable the world can be.