"The mystic is one who comes into this world with the prime purpose of rediscovering this state of union [with God] and then living it," writes Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, author of many books on Sufism. The bond that is established between us and the Beloved colors our days in a variety of ways. But first the ego must be pushed to the side. Or as Abu Yazid put it: "The way to God is but one step, taking one step out of oneself."
Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee then quotes Bhai Sahib: "It is time to make a soul pregnant with God." The birth that takes place is a new life on the journey of love. This being is nurtured by silence, meditation, and dhikr. Best of all, those in a mystical relationship with the Beloved are "slaves of the One and servants of the many." Vaughan-Lee sees the mission of all spiritual communities to spread light and love in the world.
One of the best ways to practice this is by affirming a unitive consciousness. Here's how this stance was delineated by the Sufi saint Jami:
"Neighbor and associate and companion everything is He.
In the beggar's coarse frock and the king's silk everything is He.
In the crowd of separation and in the loneliness of collectedness
By God! everything is He, and by God! everything is He."