People in all faith traditions have had mystical experiences, including members of the Sedona Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

Therefore, they consider the potential for having such experiences inherent in human nature.

Mystical experiences have four general characteristics:

• ineffability (they defy expression in words)
• noetic quality (they provide deep insight)
• transiency (they don’t last long, though their effects can be profound)
• receptivity (they happen to us, more than our making them happen)

A UU member described such a mystic experience this way:

“One Sunday, the minister asked us to join hands and to slowly chant “Om.” The resonance of the chant and the joy of belonging to a spiritual community made me feel, just for a few seconds, as if my body had disappeared and I was lifted from the earth.

“In that momentary state of utter emptiness, I had a clear realization that the whole universe is a seamless tapestry of people, animals, vegetables, rocks, and more—all sustained and nurtured by the Great Mystery.

“I felt a flood of love pour through me that was so powerful it almost knocked me over. I tipped my head back to more fully drink in the feeling. It felt obvious that this love was pouring through me (through all of us!) all the time and I had simply awakened to the experience for these few moments.

“An overwhelming peacefulness embraced my whole being. In that moment, I felt an intense experience of merging profoundly with what I have come to name the Spirit of Life.

“In the midst of this knowing, a voice within me said clearly, ‘For a moment like this, it was worth having been born.’

“I knew I was one with the universe and with all that is and that I must use my gifts to contribute to the welfare of all.”

March 22, 2024