Why De-Mystify Metaphysics?

by Peggy Sue Skipper


HOUSTON, TX--I was going to start this article with a great quote, from some well known source, about what “metaphysics” means. Hah. That became a chuckle. There are a lot of definitions out there but they are so convoluted and confusing—to my way of thinking a lot of CYA’ing as well—that the whole article would have been the definition.

     So, I am just going to give you my opinion in as simple terms as possible and apologize in advance for leaving out Aristotle altogether. Metaphysics is the study of things beyond the physical, mundane world. That encompasses a lot of territory and it also becomes difficult to define what those “things” are that need to be studied. Therefore the “metaphysics” has become a bit of a catch-all term, and because it often deals with matters that cannot be proven in a mundane way people get nervous about it. Most of us human beings like things explained to us and prefer that the explanation fit neatly into what we already know to be true.

     I have dabbled and delved into metaphysical arenas for a number of years now and have mostly enjoyed the process. I meet terrific people, but some I would rather avoid altogether—just like any other groups I have encountered in my life. I have come to the conclusion that the people who associate themselves with the metaphysical are—for the most part—just people who don’t accept the status quo and who have questions about life in general. These questions generally have to do with one of three categories though—religion/spirituality, science and healing.

     There is generally a catalyst that nudges people toward the metaphysical. Something happens in their life that makes them begin to question the status quo. Often they feel there is more than what meets the eye or they have been taught or led to believe for years. They begin to question things they have accepted as “truth.” So, that is the simple demystifying truth about what gets someone started on a metaphysical path. Metaphysical people are just like their neighbors except they think outside the box and ask different questions.

     Let’s look at some examples from real people and I will start with myself. My journey into metaphysics really began at a friend’s hand analysis party. There were about 20 people in attendance and Richard Unger presided over the events of the evening. He did an overview of “hand analysis” and how it could reveal your “life purpose” and “life lesson(s)”. Then he did a mini-read on everyone in the room. The information grabbed me and held on. I was at a crossroads in my life and the idea of having a real and defined purpose in life—and knowing what that was—just intrigued me beyond belief. I went to him for a private reading, which prompted me to study with him for over a year. That put me squarely in the metaphysical arena. It found me asking questions I had never even thought about in my own head much less out loud. Up until that time I was pretty “normal” according to society’s standards.

     I have a friend who was also “pretty normal” until she became very ill. The doctors could not offer a diagnosis much less a remedy to “fix” whatever ailed her. She had been very psychic her whole life, but had shut that down completely for many years to fit in better in the world she lived in. I won’t recount all the “alternative” healing choices she made because the list is a long one, but she will now say that the most important decision she made was to reconnect with her intuitive self. She literally moved from death’s door to complete health.

     My friend’s experience is one that is very common in the metaphysical community, When people get to a juncture where the questions they are asking about their health just aren’t answered to their satisfaction, they look for, not only health alternatives, but answers to other questions they have had for some time, but no real urge to delve into finding better answers.

     Not everyone has questions and that is certainly okay. But, it is also okay if you do have questions. Where would we be as a species if none of us ever questioned the status quo?

     I did a workshop a number of years ago and one woman who attended said at the end, “I had no idea I would find this kind of people at your workshop.” Now that confused me so I asked her, “What kind of people would that be?” To which she replied, “Well, normal people.” I am not sure what she expected and she couldn’t explain it either.

     There are many directions you can go when you start your metaphysical journey, but I do have a concern which I would like to voice here. Because there is no way to verify many things that happen in the realm of metaphysics, there are those who will take advantage of that fact so “discernment” is very important. Ask questions—did I just say that?

     We must each experience the trial and error factor and learn to trust our own inner voice—and this is the real reason to experience metaphysics in my opinion. Learning to trust our inner guidance is not taught by most of our society and/or families these days. Take what you can use and discard what does not resonate with you.

     If you are wondering whether or not you have questions that might lead you to investigate some form of metaphysics, here’s a checklist for you. If you answer Yes to any of the following you are a candidate to explore metaphysics:

1. Who am I?
2. What is my purpose?
3. Where do we come from and/or where do we really go when we die?
4. Why do I get depressed?
5. Why is life such a struggle?
6. Why am I sick and/or can I be healthy?
7. Why do my relationships all turn out the same?

     There are certainly more questions, but I consider these some of the biggies. If you have asked any of the above, just know you are not alone and are, in fact, part of a large group who have questions.

     Enjoy the Process!


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To make a comment on any articles in the Why? column, please email Peggy Sue Skipper.