Spiritual Elevation

Highness is the spiritual elevation of one’s experiential level.  In this essay, “highness” does not refer to the subjective sensations induced by drug consumption nor the title of a noble person.  There are spiritual mystics around the world who recognize genuine highness in every religion when they see it partly because some have spent long periods of time denying their bodily urges in order to get a glimpse of the inner world.  Based on their experience, some counsel others on what preserves highness and what does not. 

For example, the following illustrate highness: holiness, meditation, holding others in the Light, worship, contemplation, miracles, blessings, deep conscious breathing, yoga, mindful movement in silence (e.g., qigong, tai chi), justice, sharing the Love of God, deep understanding of a holy text, wisdom, fasting, prayer, and goodness.  Examples of things that do not help highness: sin, blasphemy, debauchery, lust, pornography, dishonoring one’s parents, murder, theft, addiction, jealousy, adultery, lies, violence, foul language, and crime.  The latter list includes sins described by major religions.  In fact, messiahs in every religion have all been extremely high people.  

Each person can experience the same action or event in different ways.  Below are some things that illustrate the importance of one’s intention and attitude:


  1. If one goes to church with an attitude that one is owed a blessing, that is lower than going to church to praise God with no expectation of a response.
  2. If one studies the Holy Bible on one’s own to understand, that is higher than doing so to avoid hell.
  3. If one gives money to the needy out of the kindness of one’s heart, that is higher than doing so as a public relations opportunity for a political campaign.
  4. If one lends a hand because someone needs help, that is higher than doing so to get paid.
  5. If one enjoys alcohol as a sacrament (e.g., part of Holy Communion in church), that is higher than drinking at a bar.
  6. Gospel is higher than most rap music.
  7. Meditation, prayer and abstinence are higher than carnality.


Within legal limits, each adult is entitled to the experiences he or she wishes for him- or herself whether high or low.  That said, the importance of spiritual elevation cannot be underestimated.  Be mindful of one’s experiential level.  The heart is a good guide of what is high and what is not.  When in doubt, turn to one's feeling and bring awareness to one's intention.  Where one feels sullied, walk away.  If one does not abstain from what does not serve spiritual elevation, repent afterwards and be more fastidious about seeking high future experiences.  

Highness is never lost forever but it does take deliberate intention and attention to regain.  One should protect it as if it were a valuable possession.  Be careful of the company one keeps and mindful of the thoughts that fill one’s consciousness.  Develop good habits that preserve highness like meditation.