"Contemplation is a sudden gift of awareness, an awakening to the Real within all that is real. A vivid awareness of infinite Being at the roots of our limited being."Thomas Merton
I decided to include the practice of contemplation
because it has been helpful on the journey to my truest Self. For me, it is
more spiritual than Mindfulness and speaks more to my soul. I was introduced to
contemplation in the 1980s when I received spiritual direction from a Roman
Catholic nun. My spiritual journey has had many ups and downs through the
years, and contemplation supported me through the rough times. It is still a
part of my life as I find it helpful when seeking answers or direction. Today
it is the prayer I pray for myself. Sr.
MaryAnn directed me to move away from the verbal, social, and petitionary way
of praying. Our prayers are not an attempt to change God's mind about us or the
events. It is primarily about changing our minds and engaging our hearts and
imagination to the mystery. We do not grasp it with words; we learn it through
body and heart sensations.
A hurricane was moving in the direction where I live in Florida.
I live about twenty miles inland from the path where it was going to make
landfall. I asked for prayers from my friends and family as the storm
approached. Many people responded with concern and sent prayers. I took my
fears into contemplation and the space of the night sky. In contemplation, I
experienced a deep feeling of connection to my friends, family, and everybody in the path of danger.
I felt the Oneness of their Love. I went to bed and slept well, surrounded in
Love and Oneness. Contemplation is a prayer that changes me. I am not praying
to change the conditions I fear; I am praying to change me. I was alone through
the hurricane, but I did not feel alone. The path of the storm changed, and it
made landfall north of where I live.
Susan Monk Kidd says contemplation is a spiritual practice that
could be called the prayer of waiting. She states the task is not to ask for
something from God. It is more like becoming aware of what God is doing in our
lives, what God wants us to know. It differs from meditation as you do want
to listen and experience the message inside. Contemplation differs in its
intention. It seeks an opening in your heart to greater wisdom, divine Love,
and your truest Self. It is like meditation as it requires slowing down the
chattering mind and being alert in solitude. You bring the Self back to the
reading when it goes off into some story or some worry. Read, listen and then
reflect.
Contemplation Is a Deeper Way to Know Self
Carl Jung spoke of contemplation as a way of seeking the true Self
through developmental stages. He believes when we transition between life
stages, it is essential to become aware of archetypes we play in each stage of
life. An archetype is a personified role commonly understood by a culture. Many
fairy tales have archetypes as characters. For example, the Little
Red Hen's role is a martyr. When you think of the little red hen, you
automatically think of martyr behavior. Some archetypes are obstacles
keeping us from our true Self. Some I have played in my life are Pleaser, Good
Little Girl, Perfect housewife, Wise Counselor, Holy churchgoer, and Crone. Today
I accept Crone, a wise elder woman who is a little odd.
When we are in our role, it isn't easy to be authentic and relate
to others freely and lovingly. Our part is often implicit; it is not in our
awareness. Through journaling and contemplations, you become aware of the roles
you have played and are playing today. Do so without judgment. We all have
protective ways to survive the culture. Some parts or archetypes create a
feeling of separation and loneliness, like the martyr role. When you feel
like something is missing, and there must be more to life, you are on the right
track. Replace judgment of the uncomfortability with curiosity and
wonder.
We can unmask the false Self. Anything that separates is
inaccurate. The illusion older women are irrelevant. Men have better leadership
skills. People who are white have more value. I cringe as I even type this
sentence. These are illusions coming from my white middle-class culture, I no
longer believe. They were implicit for many years; they were a part of my false
Self. Contemplation uncovers and reveals what has been implicit. Remember,
anything that separates is an illusion; Contemplation will be your guide to
unmask all that is not real within.
Each Lesson has a wisdom quote as a seed of contemplation. The
basic steps to follow are listed below. Remember, be patient. Much like
learning sitting meditation, it takes time to tame the chattering mind. Like
other meditative practices, it is best to start with five-minute sessions. Then
after you begin to recognize the voice of the Self, it will become much easier
to extend the time for longer sessions. As you continue this practice, you will
notice positive changes in your thinking and overall sense of wellbeing. You
may want to change your prayer from one of a petition to one of contemplation,
taking your fears into the silence of waiting for God to give you peace.
Basic Steps:
1. Find a quiet place where
you can relax without interruptions.
2. Take a few deep breaths and relax your body. You
are breathing in relaxation, breathing out tension.
3. Read the seed of contemplation for the
week.
4. Relax and reread the seed quietly.
Observe your mind. When it is chattering and worrying, say to yourself, "thinking,"
and reread the quote or take another relaxing breath.
5. To help with focus, you can ask yourself
questions:
·
What does this quote
mean to me?
·
What is the truth behind
it? What is it trying to say?
·
How do I feel as I think
about this?
6. Next,
listen, sometimes you will receive great insight and more profound
wisdom. Most times, you do not. It is called the activity of waiting and
listening.
7. As you reflect, you may want to journal.
8. When you are
complete, thank your truest Self for this special time.
Pay
attention to any insights that may arise as you go about your day. Sometimes
insights, seeds of contemplation bloom when least expected.
