If we have to go to another culture to access "It" - whatever "it" is it's pretty useless surely in terms of our everyday lives?
not so much that but bringing back some of the good things (which exclude fucking virgins to cure AIDS) about more traditional cultures... and not necessarily far away, it could be older versions of your own - for example i'm sure ancient Celtic mysticism has a lot to teach us if we looked. as far as everyday life, we can create new personal mythology which echo old forms; as you said mediation; the practice of ritual which bonds people together outside of the work-leisure cycle; more closely knit communities, clandestinity, etc.
I think it is right under our noses most of the time or in our dreams every night, we just chose not to notice it. - thats the point of most meditational practices, to just start PAYING ATTENTION.
i agree. and i think learning from the vast storehouse of cultural riches of the past certainly can help us do these things you mention.
met this film director guy recently in his 50s, telling me about his transcendental meditation practice. along same vein as Lynch, but not concerned with flying, more about clearing headspace and becoming more attentive... after 6 months he notices a huge difference, able to control his thoughts better, etc.