An almost universal goal of spiritual practice is to evoke a primordial realization: that all things are inseparably interconnected; therefore, we are never alone. The full implications of apprehending this understanding on a gut level draws us out of our sense of separation and aloneness to an extraordinary spiritual experience, known as Presence.

In physics, the idea of Presence is expressed in the theory of energy. In simple terms, the entire universe is composed of the presence of energy in various forms. Each cell in our bodies is a function of energy, each breath we take, every step, every movement, every relationship, every event is an expression of energy. It is impossible to consider that we might separate ourselves from the source of energy. Indeed, even after death, our energies transmute into other energetic forms. This idea is so elementary, a universe without energy is inconceivable and absurd.

In spiritual traditions, however, there is a tendency to transcend the normal dimensions of time and space, which are clearly a function of energy, and explore other realms that are mystical in nature. As an example, while the quality of love can be recognized in its energetic universal form, the mystic would suggest that there is also a trans-state of love in a dimension that defies understanding. This form of love does not express itself in any ordinary way that is recognizable; rather it is the metaphysical glue that holds all of existence together.

For example, a physicist can describe the mechanics of gravity, and these mechanics can be measured. We recognize immediately that if there were no gravity, this universe would not hold together. We can determine in science just how important gravity is in our lives. But, actually, nobody understands how gravity works. The mystic feels the same way about a gentle Presence in which we are immersed. It is unknowable and yet, seemingly, undeniable. This experience has many names. In some forms of Buddhism, it is called Buddha-mind. In Hinduism, it is seen as the spirit of Brahman. In Christianity it is often called Christ Consciousness. In Islam, it is summarized in the chant: “There is no God, but God,” which in essence means, “There is nothing but God.” The core of Judaism is centered on the same idea: the entire universe and all of its hidden dimensions are enveloped in the expression of oneness.

Our normal experience of life is filled with ideas of multiple things that seem solid and separate. We have a strong intrinsic sense of “this” and “that,” we have a sharp ability to distinguish fundamental differences in shape, color, form, solidity, temperature, light, and so on. Therefore, when spiritual teachers suggest that all the mental differentiations actually arise out of a basic oneness—or nothingness—we are often befuddled by this idea. Our confusion arises out an elementary reality: we know it, feel it, touch it, experience it. The teaching of oneness conflicts with our sensory experience of multiplicity.

Imagine if we had magical glasses that when worn only allowed energy to be seen. What we normally see as a tree, we would instead see raw energy with these glasses expressed in elemental forms of light and sound. The glasses would allow us to see or hear every elemental form of light and sound covering the entire spectrum, but nothing else. So, our visual experience of everything in the world would become light interacting with light; our aural experience would be combinations of sounds. We would dwell in the Presence of light and sound.

Another essential element of energy is heat. Heat is generated from movement, and all matter is built upon movement. So there could be another set of magical glasses that could just recognize heat in various degrees, and nothing else. With these glasses on, we would dwell in the Presence of heat; our entire universe would be nothing but different degrees of heat.

From a metaphysical perspective, we could propose that the fundamental element of the universe is love. Love is the bonding force that holds everything together. Imagine what the magical glasses would reveal to us if we could only see love, and nothing else. We would dwell in the Presence of love.

In literature composed over many centuries of spiritual exploration, we find thousands of testimonies of individuals who have experienced a spontaneous immersion in Presence. Call it God, Buddha-mind, Christ Consciousness, Allah, Brahman, Love, Light, Sound or Warmth, there is an experience described by many different people in different situations in which all distinctions disappear and an extraordinary sense of connectedness arises. All of these experiences are contained under the umbrella of Presence.