The mystical experience has been a topic of profound interest and exploration throughout history. William James, a trailblazer in the examination of such experiences, eloquently described the journey as an "organic ripening."

While various scholars have presented nuanced stages of the mystical journey, they converge on key elements that mirror the stages of a psychological crisis. These stages invariably encompass:

- Encountering unforeseen stressful life events,
- A transient decline in one's usual functioning,
- The potential for significant personal and spiritual evolution.

In my work, "Mystical Experience: A Psychological Perspective," I delineated a five-phase crisis model, capturing the essence of this transformative journey: 

1. Pre-crisis
2. Impact
3. Crisis
4. Resolution
5. Post-crisis

In this piece, I shall delve deeper into these quintessential phases.

It's pivotal to understand, though, that no singular model can wholly encapsulate the fluidity and diversity of mystical experiences. The journey may sometimes see phases rapidly transitioning, at times some phases might appear skipped, or occasionally one might find themselves anchored at a specific stage. 

Yet, the inherent strength of this crisis model is its capacity to formulate testable hypotheses, paving the way for rigorous empirical research.

Phase 1: The Equilibrium Phase (Pre-Crisis)

In this phase, individuals find themselves in a balanced state, where stressors are countered effectively by their coping mechanisms. Continuously tackling problems, individuals remain poised as long as they trust their abilities to manage challenges, ensuring stability.

Phase 2: The Disruption Phase (Impact)

This phase marks the onset of a psychological crisis, triggered by sudden interruptions to vital life goals, which elude standard problem-solving techniques. Such disruptions might arise from:

- Strained personal relations
- Job losses
- Financial strains
- Life-altering changes
- Bereavements
- Dire health diagnoses

During the initial 1-3 days, individuals grapple with shock, confusion, and a profound sense of vulnerability amidst tumultuous emotions. It's vital to understand that the external events in themselves aren't the crisis; the individual's emotional and psychological reactions give the event its weight.

Phase 3: The Turmoil Phase (Crisis)

Following the initial shock, a turbulent period ensues, typically lasting 1-3 months. Marked by heightened anxiety, irritability, fatigue, despondency, and sleep disturbances, individuals confront the pressing challenge head-on. As conventional strategies falter, feelings of anxiety, desolation, and hopelessness surge. Gradually, individuals grapple with profound existential dilemmas, wrestling with a quest for elusive "truths" and gravitating towards non-linear guidance.

Phase 4: The Intuitive Response Phase (Resolution)

During this phase, all efforts pivot towards mitigating distress. However, decision-making leans heavily on instinctual reactions over analytical reasoning. Notably, not all resolutions prove beneficial. As William James pointed out, mystical experiences can traverse the spectrum from enlightening to darkly unsettling. A holistic understanding of mystical experiences should recognize the potential for both uplifting and detrimental consequences.

Phase 5: The Rebuilding Phase (Post-Crisis)

Stretching over a span of 2-12 months, this phase signifies a time of renewal, reconstruction, and recalibration. It witnesses profound, occasionally stark, transformations in the individual's being. An equilibrium, albeit altered, is achieved. It may either dip below, match, or exceed the pre-crisis level.

The aftermath of a crisis can be visualized through four distinct trajectories:

1. Succumbing: Overwhelmed by the crisis, individuals might find their capacities diminished, ultimately feeling defeated.
2. Survival with Impairment: Here, individuals pull through, but with noticeable deficits or limitations.
3. Resilience: In this scenario, individuals bounce back, reclaiming their pre-crisis state.
4. Thriving: The most empowering outcome, individuals not only recover but ascend beyond their prior state, embodying traumatic growth.

Mystical experiences frequently usher in profound and enduring positive transformations. These transformative effects can be categorized into four domains: self-awareness, interpersonal relationships, life perspective, and understanding of the mystical experience itself.

1. Self-awareness: While a mystical experience doesn't necessarily alter the foundational personality traits, it powerfully reshapes one's aspirations, emotions, attitudes, behaviors, and overall life purpose. This is akin to a personal metamorphosis, redefining one's essence and direction.

2. Interpersonal Relationships: Post such an experience, individuals tend to exhibit greater openness, authenticity, and tolerance, enhancing their connections with others. Their interactions become more genuine and empathetic.

3. Life Perspective: One of the most profound shifts is in the perception of life itself. Mystical experiences frequently instill a renewed sense of hope, making purpose and meaning more palpable in day-to-day existence. Life is seen through a lens of deeper significance and interconnectedness.

4. Understanding Mystical Experiences: Finally, individuals develop a more profound comprehension of the integral role mystical experiences play in life's grand tapestry. They come to value these moments not as anomalies but as crucial chapters in their life story.

So, should you ever find yourself in the throes of a stressful event, questioning the essence of existence, remember: it might just be the prelude to an illuminating transformation. A journey that might elevate your understanding of life to dimensions beyond your wildest imaginations.

One may say truly, I think, that personal religious experience has its root and center in mystical states of consciousness. 
—William James (1902, p. 379)

​Have you ever had a mystical experience?

What separates a mystical experience from an ordinary one? 

The cornerstone of mystical experiences, as researchers concur, is the profound sensation of unity. 

At the heart of debates surrounding mystical experiences lies the interpretation of this unity. How do we understand or express this overwhelming oneness?

A seminal reference in Western studies of mystical experiences is William James's "Varieties of Religious Experience." James posits that these moments, though infrequent, represent episodes where individual consciousness coalesces in an overwhelming unity with the cosmos.

James delineated four hallmarks of mystical experiences:

1. Ineffability - The indescribable nature of the experience.
2. Noetic Quality - A deep, insightful knowledge or realization.
3. Transiency - The fleeting nature of the experience.
4. Passivity - A feeling of being overtaken or grasped by a force beyond one's control.

James's pioneering work underscores the distinctiveness of mystical experiences, setting them apart from our routine experiences. His insights laid the groundwork, setting an exemplary standard for contemporary explorations into the realm of mystical experiences.

​One of the enduring queries that has followed William James's exploration is: What precisely constitutes the mystical experience of unity?

Stace (1960) proposed that this enigmatic experience of unity manifests in two distinct ways: the "introvertive" and the "extrovertive." 

The introvertive unity is an introspective journey, where the individual delves deep into the mind, reaching a state of "pure consciousness." It's often encountered during meditation with closed eyes and is characterized by a profound sense of emptiness or nothingness.

Conversely, the extrovertive unity is an outward-facing experience. As described by Stace (1960, p. 110), the individual "looks outward through the senses," recognizing the interwoven tapestry of existence, finding unity in the diverse fabric of the natural world. Here, everything, from stones and trees to the vast expanse of the sky, is felt to pulsate with life.

Delving into related phenomena, the term "synchronicity," introduced by renowned psychologist Carl Jung, describes moments where an external event resonates deeply with one's inner state. These synchronistic episodes lack a causal link between the tangible event and the internal experience. This concept aptly encapsulates the extrovertive facet of the mystical experience.

The Fibonacci sequence is a marvel that has captivated mathematicians throughout history. But its allure extends beyond math, influencing fields like art, biology, architecture, music, botany, and finance.

Is this truly the world's most mesmerizing number sequence, or are we stretching our imagination to find patterns where none lie?

Join us as we delve deep into this mathematical wonder that has fascinated minds across disciplines and eras.

1. Does Architectural design reflect the golden ratio?

The golden ratio is often touted as appearing in many architectural marvels, both ancient and contemporary. Examples span from the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Parthenon to modern landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Toronto’s CN Tower, and the United Nations Secretariat building.

It's debated whether all these structures consciously employ the golden ratio in their designs. The Parthenon, with its intricate layout, leaves us guessing about its architects' intentions regarding the golden ratio.

However, there seems to be a deliberate use of the golden ratio in the design of Toronto’s CN Tower. The proportion between its total height (553.33 meters) and the height to its observation deck (342 meters) is strikingly close to 1.618, the golden ratio.​​

2. Is the spiral of the Nautilus shell based on the golden ratio?

Indeed, there's more nuance than popular narratives suggest. The classic "golden spiral" is crafted using consecutive golden rectangles, resulting in a spiral that expands by the golden ratio for every quarter turn. However, the Nautilus shell's spiral isn't an exact match to this golden spiral.

Here's the crux of the matter: The golden ratio can shape spirals in multiple ways. 

For instance, a spiral that widens according to the golden ratio after every 180-degree twist more closely mirrors the spirals found in numerous Nautilus shells.

I trust you grasp the distinction.

Here's another intriguing insight: The nautilus shell expands according to the number 108 (refer to "The Number 108"). This number resonates with the pentagram, which fundamentally operates on the principles of the golden ratio.

Thus, it's evident that the Nautilus spiral can indeed reflect proportions approaching Phi.

3. Did renaissance artists use the golden ratio in their paintings?

Absolutely. Leonardo Da Vinci's "Last Supper" prominently features golden ratios.

Inspired by him, Salvador Dalí, in 1955, crafted "The Sacrament of the Last Supper" adhering to golden ratio dimensions.

Similarly, in Michelangelo’s "Creation of Adam," the iconic touch between God’s and Adam’s fingers occurs exactly at the golden ratio point of the width within their frame.

These instances highlight just a fraction of the Renaissance artists' fascination with the golden ratio in their masterpieces.

4. Are the spirals seen in nature based on the golden ratio?

Spirals in nature are often linked to the golden ratio, and while it's not universally true, there are noteworthy instances.

Sunflower seeds, for instance, form interconnecting spirals based on Fibonacci numbers. This Fibonacci-driven pattern maximizes the number of seeds on a seed head.

Beyond sunflowers, the golden ratio influences the growth of leaves, branches, and petals, optimizing sunlight absorption as new leaves emerge.

Nature frequently showcases logarithmic spirals: from spiral galaxies and ram horns to hurricanes and whirlpools. The golden spiral is a subset of these logarithmic spirals, and while it may be present in the examples listed, not all natural logarithmic spirals are golden spirals.​

5. Is there a new algorithm based on the golden ratio that can predict spiritual experience?

It seems that there might be a connection between mathematics and spiritual experience. Sacco's 2017 study tentatively suggested that the dynamic effects observed at age 18 could potentially predict an elevation in spiritual experiences. This observation aligns with the predictions of the FLCM. This offers a tentative link between the relationship of the golden ratio and spiritual experience.
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However, the dynamical effects of age 11 and 30 did not support the hypothesis of increased spiritual experience as predicted. This result required an alternative explanation. 

It should be evident that children at age 11 may not be able to communicate the complexities of some spiritual experiences. And it’s entirely reasonable that spiritual experiences could be linked with the instability that is less likely at age 30 when personality becomes stabilized.

In the real world, there are many compelling examples of the golden ratio in natural phenomena. But not all phenomena in nature are based on the golden ratio. 

You can find plenty of examples where the golden ratio is not found in nature as might be expected. But you can’t deny the power of data and evidence to prove the inherent power of the golden ratio in reality.

The critical question you need to ask yourself is: Why does the golden ratio show up so commonly in nature? 

The Golden Ratio: A Principle of Energy Flow

The golden ratio, seen in structures as vast as galaxies or as intricate as DNA, has long been the symbol of ideal harmony. Duke University's Adrian Bejan ties this unique ratio to a universal law of nature's design. Through his work on the constructal law, Bejan reveals how nature shapes itself to ease flow. The essence of the golden ratio, he suggests, lies in achieving maximal efficiency with minimal energy (Bejan, 2009).

This ratio allows structures to scale infinitely without changing their core shape, resulting in its recurrence throughout nature. By choosing the path of least resistance, the golden ratio epitomizes energy-efficient flow. This is evident in falcons, which harness the golden spiral for an energy-saving approach to their prey (Tucker, 2000), and in plants, where Fibonacci spirals display energy optimization in phyllotaxis (Li et al., 2007).

​The Purpose of Life: Flow

The Constructal Law intertwines modern science with ancient spiritual writings, hinting at a unified purpose for all existence: to facilitate energy flow. Energy naturally seeks equilibrium, flowing from concentrations, like the sun, to the expansive universe.

Our individual purpose is deciphering our unique energy flow. Despite being made of the same elements, each person's energy interplays differently. Our brains might share a similar number of nerves, but the connections, molded by experiences, are distinct, crafting our personalities.

When our energies align, we enter a "flow" state, a concept explored by Csikszentmihalyi (1990) and Maslow (1964). In this state:

Causes of Flow:

- Clear goals
- Immediate performance feedback
- Confidence in handling challenges

Characteristics of Flow:

- Absolute focus
- Control and openness
- Enhanced learning and positivity

Consequences of Flow:

- Transcendence of self-awareness
- Altered time perception
- Intrinsic reward from the activity

Discovering your energy's optimal flow—whether through passions or talents—uncovers your unique life purpose. Like fingerprints, our energy patterns are singular. Aligning with this flow often leads to peak performance, happiness, and fulfillment, underscoring our individual roles in the universe.

References
​
Bejan, A. (2009). The golden ratio predicted: Vision, cognition and locomotion as a single design in nature. International Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics, 4(2), 97-104.

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper and Row, New York, NY.

Li, C., Ji, A., & Cao, Z. (2007). Stressed Fibonacci spiral patterns of definite chirality. Applied Physics Letters, 90(16), 164102.

Maslow, A. H. (1964). Religions, values, and peak-experiences. Columbus, OH: Ohio State University Press. (Original work published 1940)

Tucker, V. A. (2000). The deep fovea, sideways vision and spiral flight paths in raptors. Journal of Experimental Biology, 203(24), 3745-3754.

The Sacred Significance of "108"

The number "108" holds profound significance across various spiritual traditions. In Hinduism and Buddhism, it represents a path of balance with 108 virtues to nurture and 108 defilements to shun. This sense of equilibrium extends to their malas (or rosaries), which feature 108 beads. In Islamic traditions, "108" is sometimes invoked in place of God's name. Even in tai chi, a practice rooted in fluid motion and balance, there are 108 movements. The recurring presence of this number across diverse spiritual practices suggests its importance goes beyond mere coincidence.

108 and Growth

​The number 108 has intriguing ties to the cosmos: the average distance from the Sun and Moon to Earth is 108 times their respective diameters. Beyond this celestial connection, the natural world showcases 108 in the growth of a nautilus shell. As the nautilus matures, each new chamber of its shell expands to be 1.08 times larger than the previous one, crafting a mesmerizing logarithmic spiral on the shell's exterior.

In the BBC Two documentary "The Code," Professor Marcus du Sautoy from the University of Oxford unveils the elegant spiral shell of the nautilus, which grows at a constant rate of 1.08. He delves into how spirals and the wonders of math manifest across nature.

108 and The Number 5
​
​​The number 108 is related to the number 5. The clue is related to the angle of the Pentagon, being 108˚.​

​108 and The Fibonacci Sequence
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The number 108 has a profound significance when looked through the lens of decimal parity, an ancient numerical system used by cultures like Egypt and India to discern the essence of numbers.

Decimal parity simplifies numbers to single digits. Take 361: 3 + 6 + 1 = 10, and further, 1 + 0 = 1. Thus, 361's decimal parity is 1.

Consider the Fibonacci Sequence's first 24 numbers: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610, 987, 1597, 2584, 4181, 6765, 10946, 17711, 28657.

Applying decimal parity to this sequence yields a recurring pattern of 24 digits: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 4, 3, 7, 1, 8, 9, 8, 8, 7, 6, 4, 1, 5, 6, 2, 8, 1. The sum? A familiar 108.

Intriguingly, this pattern mirrors the 1.08 growth constant the nautilus adopts for its spiral shell. The connection between nature's designs and ancient numerical systems is truly fascinating.