Contemplation is a skill that, dependent upon what one “puts into it”, can emanate powerful energies into the world and catalyze transformation within one’s self. There are two key points that foster accomplishment: what one contemplates and how one contemplates.
Anything in any moment can be a focus of contemplation. An itch. A sensation arises; and -as if automated- one will scratch it. What if one breathed with it instead? What if one just let the sensation be a sensation? It’s an experiment.
In addition to “what”, there is “how.” In the case of a sensation, how is often a type of pause. The idea is to change thought-less robotic reaction to a conscious choice of action.
When the contemplative focus is others and empathic prayer, for example, what and how can actually contribute positive or beneficent energy to collective human consciousness while, at the same time, foster personal transformation.
Take for example the prayer being used this week: one can mouth it, chant it, or sing it -all good; additionally, one can actually contemplate it. “May the broken be healed.” How many ways can “broken” be understood?
- broken families
- broken spirits, broken hearts, broken minds
- broken ideologies
- broken systems
- broken bodies, buildings, cultures
- what breaks you? What is a breaking point for you?
Empathy, understanding, listening, and presence are fostered in one through contemplation on the hardship of a broken family, for instance. How did it get that way? Is it my place to offer help? What help might actually be helpful?
Contemplating broken systems, like economic or social systems or ideologies, can provide inner space to review one’s own beliefs, ideas, or habits. Such reflections might elicit action and/or activism, or the laying aside and no longer harboring certain ideas or beliefs.
Then, there is ‘may the broken be healed’. What does healing mean in any of these contexts? When is ‘broken’ a feature of timeless change? Necessary transformation? When is “broken’ a result of blatant malevolence or greed? These considerations encourage one to investigate the sources of what one buys, uses, or invests in.
As one more deeply contemplates, the depth of Being responds. Beingness contributes wide peace, precious clarity, openness and oneness. Then these emanate out, contributing to the transformation of collective human consciousness.
“May the sick be restored.”
- sick minds, sick ethics, the sicknesses of greed, avarice, envy, self-loathing, and such
- sick children from what adults around them do or foster
- sick soil, rivers, oceans
- plus sick people, sick because other people cause conditions that only bring disease
When we contemplate the truths of being human, we recognize that we human beings are capable of amazing and far-reaching empathy and warmheartedness; and that members of our species are capable of great malevolence and harm. Contemplation is a personal invitation to pause, look deeply at something, and to deeply look within. What a skill!
