The Tremendum.

Let it not be forgotten that when the depths of the human psyche are sourced, some of the greatest creative, emotional, and spiritual advancements of man- and womankind come forth. Out of these depths in the human being, the perception of a “tremendum” arises.  When such an experience manifests on its own volition, we may perceive a feeling of awe, or of an “over-poweringness,” or feelings of majesty, or of beauty, or of the serene numinosity of a simple spiritual experience. Such encounters may occur in the forests, on the steppes, the peaks, on mountain faces, out on the deserts, and on and under the oceans of this planet. They may occur in more serene forms during mediation or prayer. They are experienced in sports, and in the performing arts. Music in particular helps our minds transcend our normal ego states. Such an encounter may also occur as we experience moments of compassion with friends, partners, children, or our pets, or when we hold a newborn in our arms.  It is this apprehension of a tremendum that arises as a “psychological force” within us. “Our spirits” are lifted, and we feel ourselves to be inspired to pursue compassion, decency and respect among all peoples, forging our way through life while aspiring to “walk the higher road.” This tremendum can be seen as “calling us” to rise above the temptations of wrong- or evil-doings.  Such experiences are quite “reasonable.” And they are of a “spiritual” nature. And so doing, they transcend the domains of the rational alone.