In episode 10 of cosmic cheer squad, we welcomed David Sweeney, a dad, husband, and grateful human being from the borders of Illinois, Wisconsin, and Lake Michigan. David shares his insights into mysticism at the intersections of neurodivergence, trauma, and ecstatic experiences of reality. The conversation explores the mystical journey, highlighting the embodied connection that we share and the unique perspectives that arise from our experiences.
Together we dive into:
* Adoption and trauma as catalysts on the mystical development path
* Evelyn Underhill, Lawrence Nixon, and mystic struggle
* The “Goldilocks zone” of support for mystics, and what it means to be a human tuning fork or emotional divining rod
* Mysticism as service: moments of blessing, connection, and resonance
* The difference between mysticism and magic, and how contemporary spirituality is shaped by imagination, culture, and digital spaces
David shares moving stories of mystical recognition, including a spontaneous blessing from a rabbi, and reflects on the challenge and beauty of living as someone deeply attuned to unseen realities.
Resources from this episode
* Pew Research: Spirituality Among Americans
* Walter Stace, Mysticism and Philosophy
* Positive Disintegration Podcast, Episode 33 with David Sweeney
* Positive Disintegration Podcast, Episode 17 with Elizabeth Mika
Evelyn Underhill
* Evelyn Underhill Association
* Evenlyn Underhill on Magic, Sacrament, and Spiritual Transformation
* Evenlyn Underhill, Mysticism A Study in Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness, Chapter 7 - Mysticism and Magic
* New Thinking Allowed Podcast, Evelyn Underhill and Mysticism with James Tunney
* Free Audiobook: Evelyn Underhill, Mysticism: A Study in Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness
* Free Audiobook: Evelyn Underhill, Practical Mysticism: a Little Book for Normal People
* Free Book: Evelyn Underhill, Mysticism: A Study in Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness.
Simone Weil
* Simone Weil, Waiting for God [letters and essays]
* Simone Weil, On "Forms of the Implicit Love of God"
* Philosiphize This! Podcast: Simone Weil, Vessels of God
* The Gray Area with Sean Illing Podcast, Simone Weil's Radical Philosophy of Love and Attention
Arthur Deikman
* Arthur Deikman, Meditations on a Blue Vase
* Arthur Deikman, Deautomization and the Mystic Experience
* Arthur Deikman, Service as an Altered State
💌 Connect with us:
* Instagram → @cosmiccheersquad
* Substack → cosmiccheersquad.substack.com
* Find bee on pragmagination
* Find Chris on Positive Disintegration and PDA: Resistance and Resilience
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