A Higher Level of Being, Part 6

A Higher Level of Being, Part 6

“We shall not cease from exploration

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time.” T.S. Eliot[1]

The image of an iceberg is often used as an analogy for phenomena where only a portion of something is visible. There are two regions of invisibility to consider, the most obvious being the part beneath the surface of the water, estimated to be as much as 80% of the iceberg. The other region, which is the larger of the two, is its inner reality, or what exists within the outer skin. There are different ways to compare the visible parts with the non-visible parts, like by volume or mass, but it seems reasonable that the hidden parts in this second context exceed 95% of the object. Experienced sailors are well-acquainted with the dangers of navigating around icebergs since the visible parts give few hints as to the width, shape, or depth of the non-visible parts. Collisions with icebergs tend not to end well for ships. In a similar way, experienced psychologists are well-acquainted with the mysteries hidden beneath one’s outward appearance which can either enlighten or sink a person into despair.

As we consider a higher level of being as an expansion of our conscious awareness, the iceberg is an apt metaphor. Most obviously is by comparing the visible parts of the iceberg – the tip – as our normal state of conscious awareness, and the invisible parts of the iceberg representing the unconscious. Many psychologists estimate that between 80 to 95% of our thoughts and behaviors emerge from the unconscious, meaning we are not consciously aware of why we do most of what we do. As such, the majority of our life-experiences occur un-consciously. Habitual behaviors and addictions, random or recurrent thoughts, day and night dreams, instinctive reactions – all are unconscious and arise from unknown realms beneath the visible surface. One wonders how one’s life-experience could be enhanced by bringing more of our psychic activity into a more purposeful focus. This doesn’t mean bringing more parts of our lives under our conscious control so much as intentionally retraining aspects of our being so they unconsciously respond to our lives in healthier, more intentional and unifying ways.

Using the iceberg analogy, the two unknown areas of our being include both an external and an internal expression. The external expression is represented by the physical portion of the iceberg hidden beneath the surface of the water. The internal expression is the portion under the outer covering, or skin, of the iceberg. The hidden external expression (underwater) is intimately connected to and an inseparable part of the larger ocean, so its environment extends outward in all directions (underwater). The hidden internal expression refers to an inner, non-physical reality that is intimately connected to and an inseparable part of a spiritual environment existing in a dimension that includes but transcends our familiar 3-dimensional reality. It is within this other-dimensional spiritual ether – the collective spirit or energy body – where our oneness with God and all of creation becomes apparent. This is where the kingdom of heaven Jesus refers to exists as a tangible reality and not simply an abstract concept. Jesus said that kingdom is near, but not that it is readily accessible. It is within us.

As we imagine what lies under the surface of an ocean or within a spiritual realm, we conjure images of darkness, mystery, uncertainty, and the unknown. These images tend to be perceived negatively, as if bad or evil, when in reality they are only our conscious awareness colliding with its boundaries of familiarity. We often fear what is unfamiliar. Those boundaries, however, are what must be expanded if we are to live from a higher level of being. What is needed is curious exploration (preferably under experienced guidance), not avoidance. As we shine light on the unknown, the invisible becomes visible and vast new realms of possibility are revealed. The veil between the seen and unseen worlds is very thin, but for those who deny a world beyond the veil, it is impenetrable.

In the words of T.S. Eliot, we arrive where we began but know the place anew. It is not that a higher level of being carries us anywhere different, at least not physically, but it allows us to experience our daily reality in deeper, richer ways – as if for the first time. Finding our way into and around these hidden internal and external expressions of being is the gateway to spiritual growth and maturity. I will expand on these areas in January 2025 as I continue the theme of Crucifying Christianity, Resurrecting the Way.

From Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024, until Epiphany, January 6, 2025, I will begin sending daily Life Notes under the theme, Contemplative Christmas. These will be shorter readings and contemplative exercises intended to invite transformational experiences of the Christmas season. I will return to my regular, weekly Life Notes format on January 9, 2025.

This is the 12^th in a series titled Crucifying Christianity, Resurrecting the Way. The opinions expressed here are mine. To engage with me or to explore contemplative spiritual direction, my email is ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] T.S. Eliot, from Four Quartets, 1943.