Why is Contemplation important as a Self-Care Practice?
Spirit Keepers understand the level of their inner power is directly associated with the ability to plug into the universal intelligence and power that underpins all of life as we know it on Mother Earth. They also have a deep direct subjective experience of our interdependence with all life on Earth.
Contemplation as a self-care practice offers the daily opportunity to ground, centre and align the mind, body and spirit. This is because through the power of questions, reflection, releasing and re-programming one can directly choose practices which focus on creating a direct experience of connection with the Divine.
Contemplation as a self-care practice helps an individual to detach from focusing on any one specific thought and/or train of thoughts. It increases holistic awareness and keeps one in the present. Contemplation offers the individual an opportunity to quieten the mind through active questioning and reflection. Quieten the mind and the Soul will speak.
Vibration & Voltage
When we begin to question the beliefs (thinking, thoughts and assumptions) we grew up with and then actively go on to make the choice to transform the limitations of the traditions and beliefs we grew up with, we begin to evolve as a soul and human. To many of us involved in the mystical and universalist traditions we call this the raising of vibration and/or consciousness.
When contemplation becomes an important part and practice of a daily sacred practice, we can continue to grow and develop our consciousness through the levels of mass, tribal, individual and aspirant consciousness into disciple consciousness. It is at this point we recognise we are not our thoughts and emotional landscape. Instead, our daily experience is being interconnected to all life and being an integral part of the fabric of life and its continual evolving nature.
When we begin to compound the direct experience of feeling grounded, centred, connected and aligned with the intelligence underpinning all life, we begin to increase our inner power and inner light. I refer to this as voltage. It is where our minds, bodies and spirit begin to integrate and become a vehicle on Earth into which our soul embodies and leads to us becoming a Spirit Keeper.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy & Mindfulness
Many of the mystical traditions have said that in order to experience our interconnectedness with all life, we need to release our attachment to our thoughts. As one masters the art and science of contemplation, one is able to transcend the ‘locking onto’ specific thinking patterns and processes and allow one’s thinking to be released and to focus on the ‘now moment’ and ‘being present’.
Modern neuroscience has been able to demonstrate how our thoughts generate specific neural pathways within our nervous system. This has lead to supporting the concept your thoughts, feelings and actions are interconnected. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (“CBT”) and Mindfulness are modern day versions of contemplation. CBT is mostly used as a talking therapy to help an individual deal with overwhelming problems in a more positive way. However, one can also use journalling and questions through a CBT framework as an individual way of contemplation.
Contemplation – A Reflective & Mindfulness Practice
Contemplation is considered an active form of meditation. One still needs to sit quietly and be relaxed to master contemplation. This type of meditative practice still requires quality time for the process.
The benefits of contemplation are the following:
- Appreciation of many different perspectives of a particular subject. Cultivating compassion, generosity and understanding leading to promoting kindness towards others and self.
- Analysis of our personal beliefs, behaviours and whether they are leading us towards inner peace or inner chaos. Enhancing self-knowledge.
- Relieving worries and stress by calming the mind.
- Generating new ideas and concepts by clarifying our thoughts and thinking processes.
- Helping to regain focus and appreciation for life.
- Improving emotional regulation and improving mood leading to increased feelings of well-being and happiness.
- Reducing anxiety, depression and stress.
Learning Styles & Contemplation
Reading and journalling are two powerful methods for contemplative practice. Reading and journalling are activities which link auditory, visual and kinaesthetic intelligences and senses into a singular activity.
When you read you sound out the words silently as you move through the text (auditory). Or you can listen to a piece of text read out to you through your earphones (auditory).
Reading a page of text is about engaging your visual sense. Reading (whether it is visual or auditory in delivery) stimulates imagination which is visual intelligence.
Reading is also kinaesthetic because one’s eyes are constantly moving as you read the words. You are also using your hands to turn pages or your fingers on your mobile device. You may even use your finger as a guide when reading a page. Speed readers are known to do this as a way of increasing their ability to read at speed.
Different Contemplation Methods
Below I have listed different ways you can begin to develop your contemplative self-care practice based on your personal secret learning code.
Find what works for you. Also be aware, as you grow in conscious awareness, you may find what suited you once now needs to evolve into another method.
Contemplation Method 1
Inspiring words. Read a chapter or small paragraph from a sacred text or inspiring book. Then using your journal (visual or auditory) think up some questions about what you have read and then answer them. Look at the meaning you have taken from the text.
Contemplation Method 2
Challenging issues. Write down what the issue is in your journal. Then use the basic 5 “W” questions (who, what, when, where and why) to seek clarity around the issue. Or you can read and use the book “Loving What Is, Revised Edition: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life; The Revolutionary Process Called the Work” by Byron Katie.
Contemplation Method 3
Inner child work. Using a reputable guidebook answer the questions of your inner child and journal the answers.
Contemplation Method 4
Shadow work. Using archetype cards and a reputable guidebook answer the questions relating to your life challenge and see how your shadow psyche is influencing the meaning you are giving to specific events. Examples of this would be “Sacred Contracts” by Caroline Myss, “The Secret of the Shadow” by Debbie Ford or “The Shadow Effect” by Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, and Debbie Ford.
Contemplation Method 5
Release & Forgive. Using any of the above methods follow this up with releasing practices which focus on releasing your personal emotional states and feelings as well as forgiveness techniques. Examples of this would be Ho’Oponono, Radical Forgiveness, Emotional Freedom Technique, Writing to an Angel, Sedona Method and The Love Code.
Contemplation Method 6
The Healing Journey. Using the chakras a guide, answer questions relating to the challenges in mind, body and spirit in a journal and discuss with a spiritual life coach. Examples of this would be “Soulful, Spiritual, Mindful and Masterful : Your Soul Awakening guide to find your spiritual purpose, your true self and happiness, balance chakras and develop amazing Gifts” by Anne-Marie Mayers or “Chakras and Their Archetypes: Uniting Energy Awareness and Spiritual Growth” by Ambika Wauters
Monthly Research Project
How can contemplation assist with inner peace? Research the number of different programmes available online which use CBT and Mindfulness. Make notes in your journal about which ones’ appeal to you personally. Then make a list of them for your clients and offer this as an information leaflet to support their mental-emotional wellbeing.
Words of Wisdom
“What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action.”
~ Meister Eckhart
Next month …
Next month we will begin the journey of learning self-care practices from the perspective of learning styles and movement.
Until next month. From one kindred spirit to another – be safe, be well, be authentically you.
In gratitude
Kathleen
