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.

People document their daily lives in journals like diaries or blogs. While this might pass as a way to stay organized or take control of your life, it helps you to review your day and discern ways in which you would have achieved more. Keeping a journal also helps you to identify areas you would have done better and therefore move towards self improvement.

Creating a ritual in life will enable you reflect on your routines. Begin by creating a corner that is sacred and defining personal spaces wherever you live. These spaces come with a relaxing feeling that is rewarding to your body, soul and mind. You may participate in retreats and ceremonies organized with stillness and reflection in mind. At the end of such activities, your mind will be clearer and a reasonable path in life established.

Movement has a relaxing or centering effect. Some of the common movement ideas include dance, tai-i chi, labyrinth walking and yoga, among others. These movements insist on a sense of discipline and obedience to routine. Walk at the park or such serene places with the aim of achieving quietness.

Relationship building or strengthening with the people around your life will also enhance your contemplation. You are not required to take part in extraordinary activities or be extra nice. It is the simple acts of story telling and focusing on virtues in such stories that will result in calmness. Engage friends and family in deep dialogues that help you to reflect. Be a member of counsel circles where a better society is imagined.

Activism has a contemplative impact on the mind, body and soul of participants. Remember that activism is aimed at changing the world to become a better place. Some of the activist activities you can participate in include vigils and marches, attending pilgrimages and volunteering. When you bear witness to life changing incidences, either verbally or through your actions. The courses of activism must be towards a better world.

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.

Meditation in itself is a way to achieve stillness. This includes participating in centering activities where you actually push your spirit into searching for stillness. It creates awareness of your environment and thus allows you to better interact with the surrounding. This will raise your potential and make you more aware of what you can achieve. It is a rewarding experience especially when you really connect with your surrounding.




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