MYSTICAL BOOK CLUB
“In mystic states we both become one with the Absolute and we become aware of our oneness”
(William James, from Varieties of Religious Experience)
Ineffability. Rapture. Spiritual Marriage. Gnosis.
We’re searchers, seekers, explorers in pursuit of big questions:
Who am I?
Why am I here?
What is my heartfelt mission?
How can I live out my intentions with passion and purpose?
In our mystic book club, we’ll examine sacred texts that place us in the middle of humankind’s conversation about how to live and be well.
We’ll journey in both theory and practice to make the unknown known, the invisible visible, and the dark shine full of light. We’ll explore diverse approaches to the mystical experience from different traditions, genres, and points of view. The common theme in all our texts is
about connecting—to our world, our communities, ourselves. We’ll dive into topics like the unity of the divine and the Self, spiritual ecstasy, and altered states of consciousness in pursuit of the holy within. We’ll seek some understanding to big philosophical questions, like ‘What is my relationship to a higher power?’ and ‘What is my purpose in this world?’ and ‘How can I experience the feeling of absolute oneness in my everyday life?’
I’ve got a whole gamut of texts lined up (and would love to hear what you’re interested in reading), but our exploration of mysticism will begin with The Upanishads (Eknath Easwaran translation), the ancient yogic poetry of enlightenment, where we’ll dive into the “ultimate adventure” and our “evolutionary heritage: To discover for certain who we are, what the universe is, and what the significance is of the brief drama of life and death we play out against the backdrop of eternity” (Easwaran). We’ll take an inward look at human consciousness and the realities underlying life “that even rituals cannot reach, next to which the things we see and touch in everyday life are shadows” (Easwaran).
As a part of our mystical experience together we’ll share Yoga Nidra as well, where we’ll get the opportunity to practice what we’ve preached—to feel it and find it, breathe it and be it, and love it and live it. It’s gonna be grand!
Open and accessible to all. The only requirement is a desire to examine and explore consciousness. Join me in this journey through the self to the Self. I can’t wait to connect with you.
Spread the word. Share the love.
Cost: $20
(includes signed copy of Palimpsest, Lumin’s latest spoken word meditation album)
This workshop does have a virtual option as well.. FB only allows one choice 😐
About your guide:Dr. Ryan Allen is a writer, recording artist, advocate, educator, and coach. He is the co-owner and chief executive of Lumin Therapy, LLC, an integrative healthcare and education provider. He is the author of two books of poetry, This Is It (2019) and Closer to Home (2020), the co-editor of the collection, On Common Ground (2023), and the creator of two spoken word albums, Closer To It (2023) and the forthcoming Palimpsest (July, 2024). He is also a regular contributor to EXPAND Magazine. Additionally, Dr. Allen is the President of the Board of Directors for the FIRE
Foundation of Northwest Iowa, which promotes and funds inclusion in Catholic schools. He lives in Sioux City, Iowa, with his wife, three kids, and dog.