Taking time out to ponder and delve into the deeper meaning of one’s experiences and circumstances can often be overlooked, especially by success-oriented individuals; and this is because they become preoccupied almost exclusively on busily learning new practical skills or entertaining ways of spending their leisure time.
However, fulfilling one’s potentials in life requires more than only learning how to become a high achiever or stylish consumer. It also requires the development of a reflective spiritual life that develops and cultivates the enriching experiences of deep thinking and contemplation.
“The wise man knows how to run his life so that contemplation is possible.” (Gabriel Marcel, French philosopher)
“The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival.” (Aristotle, ancient Greek philosopher)
“A day spent without the sight or sound of beauty, the contemplation of mystery, or the search of truth or perfection is a poverty-stricken day; and a succession of such days is fatal to human life.” (Lewis Mumford, American historian)
Getting Personal
Give a personal example from your past when you engaged in contemplation. How long did it last, and did it have any tangible result for you?
Which of the following would NOT be a good example of contemplation? Why?
a) Thinking while taking a shower
b) Studying hard for an exam
c) Planning for a special event, like a party
….Top of post image (Contemplating at ocean), from freeimages.com
