Mysticism is the discovery of reality 1

Mysticism is the Christian tradition of direct communication with God. The mystics teach that we live in a kind of dream that clouds our ability to see what is. We perceive the universe only partially and then misunderstand much of what we do perceive. If this were not so, then we would all react to situations and events in much the same way. Instead, we bring to any event a great weight of prior experience which colors our judgement and motivates our response. 

Spiritual practice helps us see reality and then accept it. This leads to a greater degree of congruence in our thoughts, feelings and actions. Christian Baldwin puts it, "The spiritual journey is a major change, over time, in who we think we are, followed by a corresponding change in what we are capable of doing."2

A journey standing still.

Jesus and other masters of the Journey use many metaphors to try and coax us into an understanding that is beyond words. The way to true understanding is experience. We may talk or think about swimming for hours but the only true way to comprehend it is by getting into the water. We can talk about a journey but we do not begin the journey till we take the first step. Spiritual practice is cosmic travel. In the Christian tradition, it might be called entering the mind of Christ. 

The lost signposts

For two thousand of years, wisdom and practice have been preserved in Christianity that help us awaken to the presence of God. Unfortunately, most Christians are unaware of its existence. Christianity has lost so much of its spiritual substance that many people have looked elsewhere for truth-- to science, to Buddhism, and other paths. While other ways of thought have great merit we have chosen to rediscover the traditions of Christianity. Unfortunately, contemporary Christianity, has lost or ignored so much of the spiritual substance of Jesus' teachings that it takes diligent exploration to rediscover it. Much or the Christian tradition is like a lost trail.  The path is often not clear. The signposts are far apart. Some have been washed away. Because so much has been lost we must rely on spirit and stay alert.

1. Evelyn Underhill from "Practical Mysticism"

2. Christian Baldwin "Life's Companion"