Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground

by Mirabai Starr

Welcome to the temple of your regular life.

So begins beloved spiritual guide Mirabai Starr's stunning exploration of finding the extraordinary in the everyday. In Ordinary Mysticism, she helps readers discover their own inner mystic and let go of the limiting belief that spiritual life exists only in traditional places of worship. Mysticism, she explains, is a direct experience of the sacred--no church or clergy required. Our everyday life can be an encounter with the sacred if we pay attention. Starr explores the magic of mundane life, from weeding in our humble gardens to a slow evening walk with a friend to a full kitchen table surrounded by family. Embracing mysticism in our everyday is a way of being more alive in the world, an awakening to the interconnectedness between all things.

You can visit an ashram in the Himalayas or kneel in a church pew to connect to the spirit or examine life's big questions--but these aren't the only opportunities to discover the sacred. Life, Starr reminds us, is holy ground. Lyrical and tender, filled with profound wisdom and mind-opening insights, Ordinary Mysticism is about finding wonder in regular life, grounded in lessons from spiritual teachers across the centuries--from Julian of Norwich to Ram Dass. Starr combines their ancient wisdom with the story of her own personal and spiritual journey--from surviving the heartbreak of her fourteen-year-old daughter's death to growing up amid the 1960s counterculture that introduced her to mysticism to her self-made spiritual practice of today. Alongside storytelling and age-old teachings, Starr offers practices and writing prompts for help our souls seek holy ground.

When you decide to walk the path of the mystic, the mundane shows up as miraculous, the boring becomes fascinating, and your own shortcomings turn out to be your greatest gifts. May we all find meaning and wonder in our most ordinary moments.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Faith, Self Help, Mysticism, Theology, Religion

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 17, 2024

About the author

Mirabai Starr is an award-winning author, internationally acclaimed speaker, and interspiritual teacher. In 2020, she was honored on Watkins’ list of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People. Drawing from 20 years of teaching Philosophy and World Religions and a lifetime of practice, Mirabai shares her wisdom worldwide on contemplative living, writing as a spiritual practice, and the transformational power of grief and loss. She has authored over a dozen books including Wild Mercy, Caravan of No Despair, and renowned translations of sacred literature. Her most recent book, Ordinary Mysticism, has been praised by Anne Lamott as “a gorgeous, transformative, welcoming book is for anyone who longs to feel more present, more alive, more joyful and aware of the holiness of daily life”. She lives with her extended family in the mountains of northern New Mexico. For more, visit www.mirabaistarr.com.

Reviews

[Hanna Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needed this book right now. You don’t find the book, the book finds you

[Sophia Ciocca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. I love the premise -- the phrase "ordinary mysticism" immediately drew me in and I'm so grateful for a new name for my approach to spirituality. I really wanted to like this book, but I just sorta found myself bored. Often times, anecdotes in a given chapter didn't seem to make much sense under that chapter's theme (to me, at least) and it all just felt sort of piecemeal, like a bunch of essays gathered together. I'm not quite sure what I wanted out of this book, but I didn't quite get it. Still, I'm glad it was written, and perhaps it will be the perfect companion for someone else on their journey.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read about half of the book. I will probably just scan the rest of it. I guess I was looking for more of a guide. This is filled with her essays of different times in her life. There are writing prompts after each chapter. The stories are good but just not my preconceived notion of when I saw the cover. It might be just what someone else is seeking.

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the past few years, I have been intentionally choosing a book to read on Jan 1 which will set the table for the year ahead. Inviting with my choice what I would like to cultivate more of in my life and community. This year I have three interrelated selections:

1. Ordinary Mysticism by Mirabai Starr
2. Awe by Dacher Keltner
3. The Meaning of Life by Jay L. Garfield from the Great Courses

Mirabai Starr provides the lived experience, Keltner the science, and Garfield the philosophy. Ordinary Mysticism is a warm, compassionate, and wise exploration of wonder in our lives. It is about the people who speak love into our lives and the people we touch in return. It is about the big and little ways we encounter the Divine Mystery and the ways these encounters transform us. While powerful on its own, I love reading it in conversation. The book contains Starr's signature deep questions and writing prompts. I have an entire bookshelf of (almost) every book the author has written so it is no surprise I chose her latest to be my first of 2025. Here's to a year filled with personal and communal growth and fulfillment.

[Louisa Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book! I love the message behind this book and how Mirabai writes. It feels like having a heart-to-heart with an old friend. I think every single person can get something from this book and it has changed the way that I move in the world. Thank you Mirabai.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing new here and rather boring. Reading the writing of Rumi, Hafiz, St John of the Cross, Theresa of Avila, Buddha, the Bhagavad Gita and Carl Jung are much more interesting. I was looking for a contemporary with the wisdom of the ancients and this is not it.

[Betsy Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

She’s a breath of fresh air.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, wow !!! It has given me so many words to describe how I feel and who I am…I adore that about a book. ❤️ This was touching and personal while being educational and informative. A great balance. Loved the footnotes, def picked up some other things to explore from keeping my eye on those.

Highly recommend for anyone who sees (or wants to learn to see!) the magic in everyday life. Even the nasty, brutal parts!!

[Lyndsey Thackston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out really strong. I love how it honored our own spiritual authority. I loved how it was grounded in many mystic traditions. But the last have felt random and disjointed. I liked it a lot. I was just not
In awe.

[Paulina Martin Clelland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I want to return to many times

[Brianna Kočka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful weaving of spiritual practices set in the ordinary parts of our lives. Ecumenical and innerfaith, a great book for those seeking to understand what out of the box (read: not attached to one specific stream of faith) spiritual practices might look like, and how to begin to build those practices for oneself.

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Mirabai Starr’s writing. This book encouraged me to follow my intuitions, even amidst the ordinary circumstances I find myself in.

[Kimberly Zinevich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A luminous, soul-stirring guide to finding magic in the everyday ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ordinary Mysticism is the kind of book that doesn’t just speak to you—it awakens something ancient and wise within you. Mirabai Starr has a gift for taking the subtle, often overlooked threads of daily life and weaving them into a tapestry of profound spiritual insight. Her writing is earthy yet ethereal, grounded yet expansive, comforting yet electrifying.

What I loved most is how accessible her mysticism is. Starr shows us that you don’t need mountaintop rituals or elaborate ceremonies to connect with the divine; the magic is already here—in your breath, your morning light, your kitchen table, your quiet moments of truth. She gently guides you back to yourself, reminding you that the sacred is always within reach.

The book is beautifully structured, offering small, transformative reflections that linger long after you close the pages. Starr’s voice feels like that of a wise friend walking beside you, nudging you toward deeper presence and wonder.

If you’re craving a spiritual read that feels warm, nourishing, and genuinely life-enhancing, Ordinary Mysticism is a gem. I’m already planning to reread it with a highlighter in hand.

[Corey Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There is nowhere to turn except toward the unknown.” I intimately understand this quote and actually am learning to find comfort in it. “Solitude helps open the eyes of the heart. It teaches us to observe the mind and not buy in to all our thoughts.” I appreciate even more my preference for introspection, and finding in it opportunities for comfort, pain, beauty, confusion - all the feelings, but learning it’s my experience and growth still happens. Other cool quotes are as follows:

“When you hone your attention, the world opens and spills its most important secrets.”

“When you plant yourself in the ground of what is, your capacity to be present to all of life expands. Refining your faculty of perception shows you to feel everything, to feel deeply and even intensely, and yet also not drown in the experience.” #OrdinaryMysticism #YouKnowWhyImHere #ProgressNOTPerfection #StillHereStillROCKin

[Elisa Tomlinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Mirabai Starr, the author, was named one of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential People recently. It’s easy to see why, with her own gurus being Ram Das and Natalie Goldberg! Starr is the acclaimed translator of such mystics as Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross!!! It’s hard to imagine a more qualified person to write about “ordinary mysticism.” So why the 3.5 stars? I guess I didn’t like the writing style. This very short book took me nearly three weeks to read. It was written like this: point #1, 34 examples to follow. Or like this: point #1, reaaaaaaally long example to follow. I wish it had SAID more, if that makes sense. I did really find the part about the author’s falling out and making up with Anne Lamott relatable and good. In the margins, I wrote, “look for friends who are willing to do soul surgery.”

[Sidney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t bad but it was a lot of what I felt I already knew. In many ways a good reminder but I don’t feel like I gained much. A few things yes but I’m not sure that would have taken a whole book.

I think this is more for those at the start of a path or maybe for this who feel they need a good reminder of foundational concepts in presence.

I’m not a person who likes overly positive light always shining out the ass of so many people espousing spiritual concepts. It feels toxic and leaves the difficult emotions and times of our lives powerless.

Thankfully this book at least acknowledges not everything is perfect but it does like to throw a lot of everything is okay. Everything is happening for a reason. It is cloying at times. The darkness that is part of moving us and transforming us is barely touched on.

I don’t see myself going back to this book. One read is enough.

[John H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve given this book 3 stars. Perhaps it deserves more. As far as spiritual books go and I’ve read many this one did not really stimulate me. But there are real spiritual moments throughout worth serious contemplating.

Her overall thesis that anyone can be a mystic is well established. “To be an ordinary mystic is to be on the lookout “. People should and can be aware of any moment that seems to open them to the transcendent. She gives many examples of how this might happen. I found them enlightening. The book is also full of stories about her life and spiritual practices. I’m sure that she meant them as helpful but they come off bragging to me. I found them detracting to say the least.

Nevertheless I’m satisfied to have read it. I glad I was to have my view transcendence through her thoughtful examples.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent! I am an ordinary mystic, and more than likely you are as well. Do not misunderstand in perhaps believing this book is about selling a new program, “life coach” garbage, or even self-help ideology, for it is not — it is more like a reminder of what we already have, and how to let go of the illusions that get in our way of ongoing childlike wonder. Highly recommend this book!

“Die to the old to rebirth the new. Again and again. Your story is not finished.”
“At the same time that your empathy is stimulated, your bull shit detectors are lit up.”
“You know that you know nothing really, and that is not a problem. It’s a cause for celebration. Ambiguity, paradox, and darkness are the domain of wonder. You are honored to visit.”

[Nikki Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. Relatable. Mystical. Love drenched. All the things I knew and could not express. Beautiful literary melody, singing loud and clear, for all to hear. This is a work that will stay on my shelf and I will revisit, like my Bible, Upanishads, Sutras, The Gita, and Dhammapada. I will devour this again and a copy will be gifted to all I know who are seeking - like me - to put words to their spiritual life and affirm we are not alone on this path. Thank you, Mirabai for this gift of love, truth, kindness and Grace. For allowing us to peer into your awakening. I am profoundly moved. Om Shanti.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was recommended this book by a friend and I’m so glad I read it.
I do not consider myself a mystic but after this book, maybe I am? I am obsessed with spirituality, energy, astronomy and all things “woo woo” but I am not at all clever or talented in these realms. That is what I loved about this book. The author shows how ordinary people can be mystics and can learn from the earth, our bodies, energy and others .
This is one I could read again and again as I feel I would continue to yield different enlightenment from each read. Highly recommend

[Bj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the weaving of spiritual traditions ….in a reflection of the grief which shatters and expands our hearts…..to hold more love. It removes the veils between us and reality if only for brief moments…..recognizing this moment, now and finding moments of oneness. Sacredness
Being inspired by the enlightened beings who cross our paths….gratitude and prayer practice that is deep and wide enough to include all

[Lisa Moncur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt very special to me. At a time when I’m trying to find out who I am and what I believe, this really resonated on a deeply personal level and made me feel not so alone for leaving organized religion behind. At the same time, I really admired Mirabai Starr’s ability to highlight some beauty in religion and even include some religious stories (a feminine Moses retelling was SO wonderful to see!).

This is a book that I will be returning to again and again for years to come.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some will love this; it reminds me of the metaphor of someone looking for water digging a lot of shallow holes vs the idea of digging deep in one area. Some will really love her and what she is all about, and she will inspire many. Others might lose interest. I liked some if it, not all bc I do have a spiritual practice and it's not everything new age and anything spiritual that appeals to me - but large public libraries will find readers.

[Elizabeth Guthrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So often we forget to acknowledge moments of mysticism in the mundane, day-to-day life... and this book encourages us to recognize that there is so much more.

While not a new concept, Starr does a wonderful job in her encouragement and guidance. Anyone who is looking for an invitation to bring mysticism into their daily life will benefit from this read.

[Megan Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first mirabai book and I count her as a spirit friend now 🫶 far too often I've hid my love of transreligious study which includes many areas of focus vs "choosing one" religion. This book felt like validation that others view this same practice as essential work and I added so many of the sources cited within to my tbr.

[Sharon Ann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Simplistic, lacks depth - nothing groundbreaking here. Lots of her likes/dislikes so good book for her devotees, I guess. Recategorizing this book as an autobiography might have worked better - Miribai Starr, MY Life As Sacred Ground.
I was excited to read this one and am disappointed at how disappointed I am with it. Very glad to have gotten it from the library.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every day can be a day of wonder, of seeing more than meets the eye, of the sacred. The author helps us to train ourselves to do this through thought provoking questions for journaling, chapters with examples from her own life and mystics, modern & traditional.

Suggest to people who are seeking the spiritual in daily life.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The god you don't believe in is the god I don't believe in.

Let go of anyone who claims that they alone hold the key to truth.

Look upon your life as holy and whole.

Cultivate daily practices and sacred spaces.

Practice random acts of wonder.

Let your spiritual heroes be human. Just. Like. You.

Allow your metamorphoses time.

[Kelly Allen-Kujawski · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's funny because toward the end of the book, the author sort of pokes fun at "new agey" stuff, but I found a good portion of this book had new age undertones. There was a good amount that resonated with me and where I am in life right now, and I enjoyed her style of writing, so it's a solid 3 stars for me

[Heidi Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is cozy. It's holy. It's stories. It's permission. The writing is accessible and clear. Having your mug and soft blanket, your mundane pleasures nearby will add to the experience so you can watch them transformed into personal sacramental symbols.