Thursday, 4 January 2018

Ordinary Contemplative Practices That Will Transform Your Life

By Harold Bailey


The thought of a contemplative life might pass as a boring one only reserved for monks or some elite with a utopia mentality. However, contemplative practices are open to all and have a profound effect on the life of those who take them up. You do not need a monastery or going off to some island at a distant land. Here are daily engagements that will have a tremendous positive effect on your life.

Journal writing is one of the activities that passes as ordinary. However, as you scribble in the journal, you reflect on the events of your day. These reflections help you to discern the ups and downs and also make amends alongside chatting a better path in life. The journal does not have to be detailed or for publication. Remember that these are personal reflections that will change your life.

Daily rituals will get you into the reflective ream of life. Consider such ordinary activities as establishing a corner that is sacred or personal space. Such a space will give you that feeling of calmness. Participate in spiritually organized ceremonies and schedule regular retreats. These are events that will tune your mind and leave you with a clearer picture of life.

Movement is an incredible way of reflecting or getting in touch with your center. There are numerous movement options including dance, yoga, ta-i chi and labyrinth walking, among others. They get you into a routine of discipline and push your body to be better. You may also take a walking meditation to the park or a place where you can achieve the level of stillness desired.

Build relationships in an effort to achieve stillness. These relationships are with people who are close to you and do not involve any extraordinary engagements. You may take up the art of story telling where the focus is on virtues or be a good listener. Engaging in deep dialogues is another option you need to consider. Join counsel circles where the aspiration is a better society and your reflective side will be awakened.

Activists also engage in contemplative activities. These activities are geared towards centering the body, soul and mind. As an activist, you must desire a better world. Participate in marches and keep vigils when the community has issues to deal with. Volunteer at charity events and be a witness of the change that the society desires. It is more effective if you are a witness through your actions.

A creative mind is one that focuses on an idea and wants it to be better or extra ordinary. Being a creative gives you a chance to imagine and actualize. Artistic forms you can engage in include collage, sculpturing and drawing. Singing and composing songs is another viable option for people who want to live a reflective life. Through art, you re-imagine a better world and also create it. Communicating with these art forms brings profound insights.

The act of reflection or contemplating will enable you to be still and contemplate on life. Engage in centering activities, silence and meditation to achieve the desired insights. This will make you more aware of your environment, self and most importantly potential. With improved self awareness, you will better interact with people around you and your general environment.




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