What helps you live your spirituality in everyday life? Have you thought about contemplation as one of your tools for spirituality?
What is Contemplation?
When you think of the word contemplation, people often think of monastic monks and nuns who live a secluded life. That is one way to live a contemplative life. There are other ways to nurture our spirituality throughout our daily living, and contemplation is an accessible tool to use.
One of the first definitions of contemplation that resonated with me was during my years in religious life. Jesuit theologian, Walter Burghardt, defined contemplation as “taking a long, loving look at what is real.”
The Long, Loving Look
Contemplation is about gazing upon the world, our reality before us, and spending significant time seeking a deeper awareness. It does not mean to provide a glance. It also does not intend to be a long, drawn-out arduous task.
Contemplation is less task-oriented and more being-oriented. The intention behind the awareness and mindset is love, unconditional, compassionate love.
Contemplation is an outward movement of seeking, scanning our reality, and searching for deeper meaning in life. It is pausing long enough, as long as it takes, to observe and engage with our experience in the world. Being a contemplative is taking a long, loving look with the eyes of the heart.
Keeping it Real
What is real? The question draws me back to the The Velveteen Rabbit. Real is the code word for authenticity.
Real is also the stuff of life, all of it, the good, the bad, the ugly; all that is holy and shitty and everything in-between. How are we in the midst of it all?
This long, loving look at what is real moves us to action. How are we different in our love for others with the mindset of being a contemplative?
Contemplation is taking a long, loving look at what is real.
Walter Burghardt, SJ
Your Turn
Insights, awareness, and connection happen through contemplation, and there is a longing ache for more, more lasting moments of this deeper connection. The seeking, the longing, and the relationships are an integral part of the adventure of spirituality, where our energy moves in the direction toward that which is whole and holy.
What are the ways you can use contemplation to deepen your gaze and actions of love within your corner of the world?
Comments always welcome.
More thoughts on Contemplation
I spent a few minutes recording some thoughts on contemplation during my commute to work one day last week. You can access the audio below. (Time is less than three minutes).
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