Okay, confession time.
I've been into books about mystics lately.
Maybe it's where my mind is, maybe it's the time we're in... but the other day, I read a passage from The Cloud of Unknowing, where the author was distinguishing between living a life of activity and a life of contemplation.
Those lines struck me.
I know we're trying to get beyond Covid, the economy has re-opened, yet in many ways, we are still being asked to be patient.
One of the invitations of waiting is to be more contemplative.
But what does that even mean?
And how does that look in your life?
On a basic level, contemplation is to think about things, ponder, allow yourself to steep in a sensation, idea or state of awareness. For some this is easier than for others.
I can often get restless and feel squirmy in my body or in my mind. It's uncomfortable and my first desire is to flee.
I know for others, it can be the loneliness, the fear of change or the vulnerability of feeling exposed.
What if you took a moment right now to check in with yourself? What are you feeling?
Underneath, we are all being asked to go deeper.
Is there an idea, an activity, creative project or relationship that is calling to you? Can you step towards it? Is there something that you've been avoiding but simply can't anymore?
Whatever it is, the encouragement is to be gentle with yourself.
Contemplation isn't a race.
It isn't a fast activity.
It's a slow opening and a way of receiving insight rather than pushing for a result.
Why not give it a try and see what comes out of it?
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