As I think about my life over the last two years, I realize how much different I am as a person today. I am a much better human being and more at peace. I owe this improvement to contemplation and meditation. Beginning a daily habit of taking time for myself and learning about meditation is one of the best things I have done.
“I am daily making myself what I am.”
~Robert Thurman
Meditation And Contemplation Are Kindred Souls
Contemplation and meditation are different but also closely related. Contemplation means focusing your mind on a specific subject or object. For example, the beauty of a tree in autumn or a feeling you had about an event. Meditation is keeping the mind blank; being aware of your being or essence.
In a meditative state, your mind is free to accept feelings, images, and ideas; the art of observation without thought. Meditation takes much practice, and it can be difficult to master even in a lifetime. On the other hand, contemplation is easier, and you might want to start with it. They are both ways to look at ourselves and others in a relaxed spirituality. There is no time like today to get started.
Contemplation
To begin contemplation, find a place where you will not be interrupted for 10 to 30 minutes. Get comfortable and relax all your muscles. Start with focusing your thoughts on yourself. Ask yourself; who you are at this moment. Get to know yourself; what is your identity? Are you content with who you are, or do you need a change? Is there anything holding you back? The point is to remove the masks and false images you show the world, bringing out your true self.
We have all built up layers of defenses. Contemplation and meditation will help you remove these layers and get a true understanding of who you are. Spending time daily on yourself will not only help you to relax but is engaging your creative mind and connecting you to the universe.
Meditation
Meditation is more difficult, but it stops the deluge of thoughts that normally invade our minds. At first, you might only be able to stop these thoughts for a minute or two; soon, you notice one creep back in. We all have so much going on in our lives that it is hard to block unwanted thoughts for a long time. Meditation can help you achieve this.
Begin with 20 minutes of meditation. Sit or lie comfortably, and make sure you do not fall asleep. Close your eyes and begin long, slow, deep breaths. Focus your mind on your breathing. Relax all your muscles starting with the face and jaws and working down through your body. Tell yourself you are in a beautiful, peaceful place.
Let Them Float Away
As scattered thoughts in your mind, let them float away. I picture placing them in a bubble over my head and watching them float away pop and vanish. Be mindful of the moment. Listen to the sounds around you and connect to the moment. Enjoy the feelings of peace and joy. Be aware of your feelings, emotions, and thoughts that are here are with you right now; this is mindfulness.
Meditation frees our minds to go anywhere and gives us clarity. It can help answer a question you have or give you an idea for your next venture. These clarifying thoughts can only be reached in a relaxed meditative state and by focusing on the now.
“In us, there is a river of feelings, in which every drop of water is a different feeling, and each feeling relies on all the others for its existence. To observe it, we just sit on the bank of the river and identify each feeling as it surfaces, flows by, and disappears.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Still Learning
Contemplation and meditation are different yet share a kindred soul. They are a way to improve your health, both mentally and physically. Learning to spend time daily on me has changed me for the better. Even though I have a long way to go, I am learning and growing as each moment passes by. If you decide to try it, if nothing else, you might find that just getting into a relaxed state every day will do wonders for your body and mind.
Thank you for reading and following my blog. Let me know in the comments if you receive any benefits from contemplation and meditation. I appreciate each one of you.
Cites
Weiss, Brian L. “Chapter 11 Contemplation and Meditation.” Same Soul, Many Bodies: Discover the Healing Power of Future Lives through Progression Therapy, Free Press, New York, NY, 2005, pp. 166–179.
