Skeptic AND Mystic

Today I realized, in conversation with a woman younger than I am, that I am BOTH skeptic and mystic.

I have no need to reconcile these two aspects.

I like being thoroughly rational to the extent that I am able to achieve that state.

I also make provision for that huge area called "I do not know."

If through opening myself to what words cannot state and to which reason cannot point, I learn something - call it spiritual or something else - I like that.

All that I ask of myself as a mystic is that I don't go along with what is patently without logic. I cannot accept a god (or God) who would send to eternal torment a human who denies said god's (or God's) existence.

I cannot believe in a morality based on fear of Big Poppa in the sky.

For the skeptic, especially the arrogant "rational hu(man)", who scoffs at the mystical experiences of others, I offer the image of the blind man who cannot understand what "blue" is.

I very much value my ability to reason. I am far more the skeptic than the mystic. Sometimes, though, I want to send a shout-out to The Cosmos, to Life, to Whatever or Whoever is Listening (anyone there???) and say "Thanks" or "Please . . . " Perhaps my prayer is but an internal echo.

And yet sometimes I pray.