When You’re Utterly Intoxicated By Numinous Experiences
But Ya Gotta Be Awake and Paying Attention
Photo Credit: Diamond Michael Scott
The word "numinous" has multiple meanings, including "arousing spiritual or religious emotion" and "appealing to the aesthetic sensibility". It can also mean "supernatural" or "mysterious". For example, you might describe a painting or song as numinous if it conveys a spiritual feeling.
I have experienced many moments in life when the ordinary peels back, revealing a sliver of something vast, mysterious, and deeply sacred. Perhaps you’ve felt it too—a sense of awe while gazing at a starry sky, standing alone in a cathedral, or hearing a piece of music so powerful it seems to speak directly to your soul.
In these moments, time bends, the edges of your being blur, and you feel intimately connected to something greater than yourself. These are what we call “numinous” experiences.
These are encounters with the sacred, a brush with the divine, or a sudden plunge into the depths of mystery. They’re moments that are elusive yet undeniable, and yet leave us with a profound sense of wonder and reverence for the hidden dimensions of life.
For those who walk the Taoist path or have dipped their toes into Tantric practices, these experiences are not just random anomalies. They are vital signposts pointing toward the true nature of existence.
Both Taoism and Tantra share an underlying recognition that reality is not merely a collection of objects or events but a living, breathing interplay of energies and forces. The Tao, or the Way, is not something that can be fully understood through the intellect; it must be felt, intuited, and experienced—much like the numinous itself.
In fact, the numinous lies at the intersection of these ancient traditions, where awe, mystery, and sacredness converge in ways that defy logical explanation.
The Numinous: An Unnameable Presence
To fully grasp what we mean by the numinous, let’s first delve into its essence. The term itself was popularized by the theologian Rudolf Otto in his seminal work “The Idea of the Holy.” Otto described the numinous as a mysterious force that evokes both awe and fascination, an experience that transcends ordinary understanding.
It is something we feel in our bones but cannot fully articulate—a presence that is both terrifying and alluring, both intimate and utterly other. Numinous experiences often strike us unawares, emerging in moments of stillness, profound beauty, or deep introspection. They can be triggered by nature, art, spiritual practice, moments of sexual intimacy, or even seemingly ordinary experiences where we are fully present.
I recall one afternoon when I found myself deeply immersed and intoxicated by a sunset while driving East along I-80/90 toward South Bend, Indiana where I was living at the time. For a brief moment, the radiant light had me so mesmerized that I feared hitting another car on the highway.
I was alone in the car, captured by the visceral experience, one resulting in a deep tingling sensation in my body . There was no grand vision, no dramatic event. Just a quiet, powerful awareness that I was part of something infinite.
The sunlight spoke to me as the hum of my car motored me along. It was a fleeting moment, and yet it left a lasting impression—a reminder that the numinous is always there, just beneath the surface of the ordinary, waiting for us to notice.
Experiences like this are what makes the numinous particularly compelling as it taps into our deepest instincts about the sacred. Even those who do not identify as religious or spiritual can still be profoundly moved by these experiences, which often elicit a sense of unity, transcendence, and interconnectedness.
In Taoism and Tantra, this sense of union with the cosmos—or what some might call “cosmic consciousness”—is both the goal and the means of spiritual practice. The numinous is the living pulse of these traditions, a glimpse into the ineffable that lies just beneath the surface of everyday life.
It’s here where these two traditions share a common thread — the recognition that the sacred can be found not only in exalted states of consciousness but also in the embodied experience of the present moment.
In Taoism, the Tao is the source and flow of all life, an invisible force that permeates everything and yet remains beyond description. To attune yourself to the Tao is to harmonize with the rhythms of nature and the cycles of existence.
This attunement often leads to moments of numinous awareness, where one perceives the interconnectedness of all things and feels a deep sense of belonging within the vast tapestry of the cosmos.
Tantric traditions, while differing in their specific methods and beliefs, similarly emphasize the cultivation of direct, mystical experiences. Whether through meditation, sacred sexuality, or energy practices, Tantra seeks to awaken the practitioner to states of expanded awareness where the boundaries between self and world dissolve.
In these states, one may experience what can only be described as numinous—an encounter with the divine, a sensation of being both grounded and transcendent, both fully embodied and yet limitless in scope.
The numinous experience, then, is not limited to moments of religious ecstasy or dramatic spiritual visions. It can emerge in the quiet spaces of our daily lives, when we allow ourselves to be fully present and receptive to the mystery that pervades all things.
For example, in Taoist philosophy, there is a deep reverence for nature as a reflection of the Tao itself. The rustling of leaves in the wind, the flow of water down a stream, the play of light and shadow—all are seen as manifestations of the Tao’s dynamic presence.
To walk in nature with a Taoist mindset is to enter a space where the numinous can reveal itself at any moment, where the sacred becomes tangible in the most subtle and fleeting details.
I recall on winter’s night after work while living in Evanston, Illinois, I found myself walking along a quiet street at 1;00 am in the morning after fresh snow had fallen. Everything was cloaked in silence; the world seemed suspended between breaths. Suddenly, in the hush, I recall seeing a single snowflake drift down, catching the streetlight as it fell.
For a split second, it felt as though the universe was entirely focused on that single flake, as if everything—time, space, the dance of energy—converged in its descent. I felt an inexplicable connection to it, a sense of deep reverence for the sheer simplicity of its existence.
I have found that moments like these teach me that the numinous isn’t hidden away in grand mysteries; it’s right there in the fragile beauty of life’s smallest details.
Photo Credit: Diamond-Michael Scott
Mystical Encounters and Cosmic Union
In both Taoism and Tantra, mystical experiences are not seen as extraordinary or unattainable. They are simply a natural part of living in alignment with the deeper currents of reality. The numinous, then, can be cultivated through practices that open us to altered states of consciousness, whether through meditation, breathwork, or movement.
Taoist qigong, for instance, involves working with subtle energies that flow through the body, harmonizing them with the larger currents of the universe. As one becomes more attuned to these energies, it is not uncommon to experience moments of profound clarity, insight, and even ecstasy—moments that can only be described as numinous.
Similarly, Tantric practices such as kundalini yoga aim to awaken dormant energies within the body, leading to expanded states of awareness and a deep sense of connection with the cosmos. In these states, the numinous becomes a lived reality rather than a fleeting glimpse.
The practitioner may feel a sense of union with the divine, a merging of the individual self with the universal self. This sense of union is at the heart of both Taoist and Tantric spirituality, where the numinous is not merely an experience but a way of being.
Our Bodies as a Sacred Quest
Another key aspect of the numinous in Taoism and Tantra is the recognition of the body as a vessel for the sacred. In contrast to spiritual traditions that view the body as something to be transcended or renounced, both Taoism and Tantra hold the body in high regard.
The body is seen as a microcosm of the universe, a sacred temple through which one can access deeper spiritual truths. In this sense, numinous experiences can arise through physical practices that honor the body’s innate wisdom—whether through mindful movement, sacred touch, or simply being fully present in one’s own skin.
In Taoist practice, the cultivation of vitality and longevity is often linked to a sense of reverence for the body’s natural rhythms and energies. Practices like tai chi and qigong are designed to circulate and balance these energies, leading not only to physical well-being but also to a deepened awareness of the interconnectedness of all life.
When one is fully attuned to the body’s subtle cues and flows, the numinous can emerge in even the most mundane activities—walking, breathing, or simply sitting in stillness.
I once had a qigong session that was entirely unremarkable—until it wasn’t. As I moved through the forms, something clicked, or perhaps more accurately, dissolved. My body felt like a river flowing through space, each motion seamless and without beginning or end.
With this came the realization that I wasn’t practicing qigong; I “was” qigong. It was a moment of pure flow where the numinous came alive not in some otherworldly vision but in the simple, grounded reality of being fully present in my own body.
Similarly, Tantric traditions emphasize the sacredness of sexuality, not as something separate from spirituality but as an integral aspect of it. Sexual energy, when consciously harnessed and directed, can lead to states of heightened awareness and profound connection with both oneself and the cosmos.
In these moments, the numinous is not something abstract or distant; it is felt in the pulse of the heart, the warmth of the skin, and the electric current of desire. The body becomes a gateway to the divine, and the numinous is experienced as an embodied, visceral reality.
Nature, Synchronicity, and the Dance of the Numinous
While the numinous can be cultivated through intentional practices, it often arrives unbidden, as if the universe itself conspires to reveal its mysteries when we least expect it.
In Taoism, there is a deep appreciation for the spontaneity of life, the way in which the Tao unfolds without effort or premeditation. This principle of *wu wei*, or effortless action, invites us to move through life with a sense of openness and receptivity, allowing the numinous to arise naturally rather than forcing it into being.
It is often in moments of surrender that we encounter the numinous most vividly. Consider the experience of being in nature, where the boundaries between self and world begin to blur. A vast mountain range, a glowing sunset, or the delicate intricacy of a flower can evoke a sense of awe that transcends words.
In these moments, we are reminded that we are not separate from the world around us; we are part of a vast, living web of interconnectedness. This is where Taoism and the numinous meet, in the recognition that the world is not merely a collection of objects but a dynamic, flowing process in which we are inextricably woven.
One morning while walking along a trail in the early dawn, I was captivated by the play of shadows as the sun began to rise. There was nothing inherently extraordinary about it, yet something in the stillness of that moment felt alive, as if the shadows themselves were whispering the secrets of existence.
I stood there for what felt like eternity, entranced by the subtle dance of light and dark. It was a reminder that the numinous doesn’t require grand events; it can emerge in the quiet dialogue between elements we often overlook. It’s in these simple, unguarded moments that we are most likely to touch the sacred.
Photo Credit: Diamond-Michael Scott
Random Encounters With Life. But Are They So Random?
Synchronicities—those meaningful coincidences that seem too perfect to be mere chance—also play a role in the dance of the numinous. In both Taoism and Tantra, there is an understanding that life is guided by unseen forces, subtle energies that shape our experiences in ways that defy linear causality.
When we are attuned to the flow of the Tao or the currents of cosmic energy, synchronicities become more frequent and more meaningful. These moments are not just random occurrences; they are the universe speaking to us in its own cryptic language, inviting us to pay attention, to listen, and to trust in the unfolding of the mystery.
I’ve had a series of uncanny coincidences that led me to cross paths with people and experiences that profoundly impacted my life. A chance meeting at a coffee shop with someone who casually mentioned a book that shifted my perspective entirely; a random invitation to a gathering that introduced me to a practice I didn’t even know I needed.
The numinous seems to work in tandem with synchronicity, guiding us subtly toward what we didn’t know we were searching for. Each time it happens, it’s as if the universe is winking at me, reminding me that I’m part of something much larger than my individual plans and intentions.
Cultivating a Numinous Life
To live with an awareness of the numinous is to approach life as a sacred journey, where each moment carries the potential for profound insight and connection. It requires a willingness to step beyond the confines of ordinary perception, to embrace the unknown, and to surrender to the flow of existence.
In both Taoism and Tantra, this requires a shift from a mindset of control and grasping to one of openness and receptivity. The numinous cannot be captured or held; it can only be experienced in the moment, like trying to hold water in your hands. It is a fleeting, yet transformative, encounter that invites us to see the world through fresh eyes—eyes that are attuned to the sacred hidden in the mundane.
One of the most profound aspects of the numinous is its ability to dissolve the boundaries between self and other, between the ordinary and the divine. In Taoism, there is the concept of “ziran,” often translated as "self-so", or "naturalness". This state of being is one in which a person acts in perfect harmony with the world, without interference or contrivance.
In this natural flow, the self is no longer a separate entity, but part of the great unfolding process of the Tao. When we experience the numinous, we are briefly lifted into this state of “ziran,” where we no longer feel the need to separate ourselves from the world around us. Instead, we become part of the dance, moving effortlessly within the greater harmony of existence.
This dissolution of boundaries is also central to Tantric spirituality, which views the numinous as something that can be accessed through deep intimacy, whether with another person or with the universe itself. Tantra teaches that by fully embracing the present moment, we can experience union with the divine in the most direct and visceral ways.
In this sense, the numinous is not an abstract concept but a lived experience—a merging of spirit and matter, energy and consciousness, that transcends the limitations of ordinary perception.
The Everyday Numinous
While it is tempting to think of the numinous as something rare and extraordinary, both Taoism and Tantra remind us that these experiences are available to us at all times if we are willing to look deeply enough. The sacred is not confined to mountaintops, temples, or mystical visions; it is woven into the fabric of everyday life.
The numinous can be found in the way sunlight dances on water, in the laughter of a child, in the quiet moments of reflection before sleep. It is in the way two people connect through a simple glance or the way a moment of silence can speak more than words ever could.
The challenge, of course, is to cultivate the kind of awareness that allows us to perceive these moments. In Taoism, the practice of stillness and inner quiet is essential for tuning into the subtle currents of the Tao.
By calming the mind and letting go of our incessant need to label and categorize, we become more attuned to the underlying unity of all things. It is in this stillness that the numinous reveals itself, not as something separate or distant, but as the very essence of life itself.
Tantric practices, too, emphasize the cultivation of awareness, particularly through the body. Whether through meditation, breathwork, or sacred movement, Tantra teaches us to be fully present in our bodies, to feel the subtle energies that flow through us and to recognize that these energies are not separate from the cosmic forces that shape the universe.
By embracing the body as a temple of the sacred, Tantra opens the door to a life filled with numinous experiences, where the boundaries between the mundane and the divine dissolve in the dance of energy and consciousness.
Photo Credit: Diamond Michael Scott
Awe and Wonderment
At its core, the numinous experience is an invitation to return to a state of wonder—a state that is all too easily lost in the rush and noise of modern life. In both Taoism and Tantra, wonder is not seen as naive or childish; it is a vital aspect of spiritual wisdom.
To live in wonder is to live with an open heart and an open mind, ready to be surprised by the beauty and mystery that life continually offers. It is to approach each moment as if it were the first, with a sense of curiosity and reverence for the unknown.
In a world that often prioritizes certainty, control, and rationality, the numinous reminds us of the value of surrendering to mystery. It asks us to let go of our need for answers and instead embrace the questions—the uncertainties that lie at the heart of existence.
Taoism teaches that the most profound truths cannot be spoken or understood through the intellect alone. They must be felt, experienced, and embodied. Similarly, the numinous is not something we can fully grasp; it is something we enter into, like stepping into a river that is both ever-changing and eternal.
Integrating the Numinous into Everyday Life
So how do we integrate the numinous into our daily lives? The answer lies not in seeking out dramatic spiritual experiences but in cultivating a mindset of openness and receptivity. This means being fully present in whatever we are doing, whether it is washing the dishes, walking in the park, or having a conversation with a friend.
It means approaching life with a sense of humility, recognizing that we do not have all the answers and that there is always more to discover. It also means allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, to feel deeply, and to be moved by the beauty and tragedy of life.
One practical way to invite the numinous into our lives is through simple rituals that bring us into alignment with the present moment. This could be as simple as lighting a candle and taking a few moments to breathe deeply before starting your day, or spending a few minutes in silent reflection before going to bed. These small acts of mindfulness create a space for the numinous to enter, allowing us to touch the sacred in the midst of the ordinary.
Another approach is to spend more time in nature, where the presence of the Tao is often felt most strongly. Whether it is a walk in the woods, sitting by a river, or ice skating on a pond, nature has a way of dissolving our egoic boundaries and reconnecting us with the flow of life. In these moments, the numinous becomes palpable, reminding us that we are not separate from the world around us but are part of a vast, interconnected web of existence.
Finally, cultivating a sense of gratitude can help us attune to the numinous. Gratitude shifts our focus from what is lacking to what is already present, opening our hearts to the beauty and mystery that permeate every moment. When we approach life with gratitude, even the simplest experiences can become gateways to the sacred.
What If You Just Embraced the Numinous Mystery?
In both Taoism and Tantra, the numinous is not something that can be forced or manufactured; it is something that arises naturally when we align ourselves with the deeper currents of life. It is a gift, a fleeting glimpse of the infinite that reminds us of the profound mystery at the heart of existence.
To live with an awareness of the numinous is to live with a sense of wonder, humility, and reverence for the unknown. It is to recognize that life is far richer and more mysterious than our minds can comprehend, and that the sacred is always present, waiting to be noticed.
In a world that often prioritizes control, productivity, and certainty, the numinous calls us back to the wisdom of surrender, to the beauty of not-knowing, and to the joy of simply being present. Whether through the Taoist practice of attuning to the flow of life or the Tantric embrace of the body as a temple of the divine, the numinous is always within reach, if only we have the courage to let go and allow ourselves to be touched by the mystery.
There is a memory that often returns to me when I think of the numinous—a seemingly insignificant moment that left a deep mark on my understanding of presence and mystery. I was sitting in a small coffeehouse, lost in thought, when I suddenly noticed the way the light fell through the window, casting a warm glow on the steam rising from my cup of dirty chai.
For a brief instant, time stood still. I wasn’t in the coffee shop anymore; I was in a sacred space where everything—light, steam, breath, and thought—merged into one seamless experience. It wasn’t a grand epiphany, yet it left me with a deep sense of interconnectedness that I carried with me long after I left that café.
Moments like these are whispers from the numinous, reminding us that the divine is hidden in plain sight, waiting to be recognized in the most ordinary of settings.
The numinous also teaches us the importance of embracing uncertainty. In both Taoism and Tantra, there is an understanding that clinging to rigid beliefs or fixed outcomes closes us off from the flow of life.
The numinous, by its very nature, is unpredictable and enigmatic. It challenges us to let go of our desire for control and to trust in the unfolding process of life. This doesn’t mean passivity; rather, it is an active engagement with the present moment, a willingness to be guided by something larger than our individual will.
In my own life, I’ve found that the more I allow myself to flow with the unexpected, the more the numinous reveals itself. There have been times when I’ve let go of carefully laid plans, only to find that life had something far more profound in store for me.
I recall a trip I once took with no clear destination in mind, trusting that I would be led to where I needed to be. What began as a spontaneous adventure turned into a pilgrimage of sorts, filled with serendipitous encounters and moments of awe that I could never have orchestrated on my own.
By surrendering to the mystery, I found myself not only in new places but in deeper states of awareness, where the numinous felt like an ever-present companion.
As we navigate our daily lives, we often overlook the subtle ways the numinous tries to reach us. Whether it’s in a conversation that unexpectedly touches the heart, a dream that lingers with a sense of meaning we can’t quite grasp, or the simple act of noticing the beauty in the mundane, the numinous invites us to pause, to listen, and to be present.
It’s in those moments of stillness, when we let go of the need to rationalize or explain, that we can most clearly hear the quiet voice of the numinous calling us back to our true nature.
Returning to the Sacred
To embrace the numinous is to reclaim the sacred in our lives. It’s a return to a way of being that honors the mystery, the unexplainable, and the deeply felt.
It’s a reminder that while we may seek knowledge and understanding, there is always something more—a deeper truth that lies beyond words, a hidden dimension that can only be accessed through experience and presence.
Both Taoism and Tantra offer us practices and perspectives that help us cultivate this awareness. Through meditation, movement, ritual, and simply being fully engaged in the present moment, we can open ourselves to the numinous dimensions of life.
It’s not about seeking the extraordinary but about recognizing the extraordinary in the ordinary. The Tao flows through everything, and when we are attuned to it, the numinous becomes as natural as breathing.
So let us walk through life with open hearts and open eyes, ready to be surprised, ready to be moved, and ready to be transformed by the numinous moments that are woven into the fabric of existence.
In doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a world that honors the sacred in all things—a world where the ordinary is infused with the extraordinary, and where the numinous dances in every breath, every heartbeat, and every fleeting moment of wonder.
Since 2022, I, Diamond Michael Scott, aka The Chocolate Taoist, have delivered uncommon nomadic wisdom to help you live a more interconnected and expansive life.
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Diamond Michael Scott aka The Chocolate Taoist
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