Every Day 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 helps you to stay in touch with your center. The movement options you could explore include ta-i chi, yoga, labyrinth walking and dance, among others. These movements enter you into a routine that instills discipline and pushes your body to obey a routine. Walking meditation is another movement option where you head to the park or a serene place where you can achieve quietness.

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.

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.

Creative minds have an excellent opportunity to reflect. In fact, the artistic mind participates in creating the world that everyone desires. You may choose to draw, create a sculpture or collage, among the many other artistic expression ideas. Singing and instrumentation is also an option. Organize or participate in themed exhibitions. The message communicated through art helps you to contemplate and re-imagine a better world.

Actual contemplation will also bring you close to inner stillness. There are centering activities that help you reflect alongside the search for silence through mediation. You are more aware of the environment and can interact with it better in order to improve your potential. With greater awareness of self, interactions with people are stronger and more rewarding. You will be in synch with your surrounding.




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