Contemplative meditation is a powerful tool for deep thinking and self-reflection. It is a way to seek guidance and direction from within, or from a higher power, by observing and considering a specific idea, question or situation. The practice is simple: close your eyes, take a few slow and focused breaths, and ask your question. Then, simply listen for the answers to come. This could be an inner voice or a higher power, depending on your beliefs.
The term contemplative meditation has become more distinct in recent decades. Contemplation is derived from the Latin con (with) and templum (shrine or temple), so it originally meant observing with divine help. Meditation, on the other hand, comes from the Latin meditor (to think, ponder, reflect upon), with no spiritual connotations. So, in fact, meditation is the rational exploration of questions, and contemplation is the spiritual act.
Contemplative meditation can be used to make big life decisions, or to help with daily habits of thought and behaviour. It is a way to gain insight and clarity, and to connect with your inner wisdom.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Purpose | Seek answers to specific questions from a higher power |
Definition | A spiritually-centred observation or consideration of a specific idea, question or situation with the goal of receiving insight from a higher power |
Benefits | Assist in making big life decisions, help with habits of thought and behaviour, promote deep thought, inspire insight, reduce stress, relaxation, inner peace, and happiness |
Techniques | Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Watching the River, Welcoming Prayer, YHWH Prayer, Lifelong Conversion, Union with Love, etc. |
Practice | Close your eyes, take a few slow and focused breaths, drop into the heart, focus on the question, ask your higher power for guidance and direction, and sit in silence |
Tips | Journal your thoughts, use a sacred word, don't worry about doing it right, be patient with yourself and the process, notice without judgement |
What You'll Learn
- How to use questions for contemplative meditation when starting a business?
- How to use questions for contemplative meditation to make big life decisions?
- How to use questions for contemplative meditation to quiet the mind?
- How to use questions for contemplative meditation to connect with a higher power?
- How to use questions for contemplative meditation to overcome feelings of failure?
How to use questions for contemplative meditation when starting a business
Starting a business can be a daunting task, and it's easy to become overwhelmed by the myriad of decisions and challenges that arise. Contemplative meditation can be a powerful tool to help you navigate this journey, providing clarity and insight as you build your venture. Here's a guide on how to use questions for contemplative meditation when starting a business:
Understanding Contemplative Meditation
Contemplative meditation is a practice that combines meditation and contemplation, two words that were once used interchangeably. However, their meanings have evolved over time. Meditation, derived from the Latin "meditor," refers to the systematic and rational exploration of life's questions. On the other hand, contemplation, with its root in "templum" (meaning shrine or temple), carries a spiritual connotation, suggesting observation with divine guidance. Thus, contemplative meditation involves spiritually-centered reflection on a specific idea or question, seeking guidance from your inner voice or a higher power.
Formulating the Right Questions
When starting a business, you may have numerous questions and uncertainties. Taking the time to formulate thoughtful questions is crucial for effective contemplative meditation. Ask yourself: What are my next steps? What am I passionate about? What worries me the most? What do I want my business to achieve? These questions will guide your meditation practice and help you gain clarity.
Practicing Contemplative Meditation
Create a comfortable and quiet space for your meditation practice. Set a timer for 5 to 20 minutes (or longer if you prefer). Begin by focusing on your breath, taking a few slow and deep breaths to centre yourself. Then, bring your contemplation question to mind. Drop that question into your mind, heart, and soul, imagining it dropping into different centres of your being. For example, you can visualise dropping the question into the space between your eyebrows (the third-eye point associated with wisdom) or into the centre of your chest (the heart centre associated with caring and compassion). As you hold each question in your mind, notice any thoughts, feelings, or insights that emerge.
Integrating Insights into Your Business Journey
After your meditation practice, take time to reflect on any insights or ideas that came to you. Journaling can be a helpful way to explore these thoughts further. Contemplative meditation may provide guidance on your next steps, helping you make more aligned and confident decisions about your business. It can also assist in shifting your perspective, uncovering new possibilities, and connecting you with your deeper purpose.
Seeking Professional Guidance
While contemplative meditation can be a powerful tool, it's important to note that guidance from a trained professional can enhance your practice. Consider seeking out meditation facilitators or mentors who can provide targeted questions and support as you navigate the challenges of starting your business. Their expertise can help you establish a consistent and beneficial meditation practice.
By incorporating contemplative meditation into your business journey, you can make more thoughtful decisions, gain clarity on your vision, and create a venture that aligns with your passions and values. Remember, starting a business is a journey, and contemplative meditation can be a valuable companion along the way.
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How to use questions for contemplative meditation to make big life decisions
Contemplative meditation can be a powerful tool for facilitating deep thinking and self-reflection, especially when it comes to making big life decisions. Here are some steps and tips to guide you through the process:
Step 1: Formulate Your Question
Start by creating a clear and concise question about your next steps or a specific decision you need to make. For example, "What are my next steps in my career?" or "Should I take a new job offer or stay in my current role?" Journaling can be a helpful way to refine your question and make it specific to your situation. Consider the following journaling prompts to get started:
- What are my next steps about...?
- What am I learning and unlearning right now?
- What am I passionate about?
- What worries me the most at the moment?
- What are the biggest questions I am facing now?
Step 2: Prepare for Meditation
Find a comfortable and quiet space where you can meditate. You can sit or lie down, whichever you prefer. Have a journal and something to write with nearby to jot down any thoughts, images, or insights that come to mind during your meditation. Set a timer for 5 to 20 minutes (or longer if needed) and add three bell sounds or similar signals to indicate the different stages of your practice.
Step 3: Begin Meditation
Start by focusing on your breath. Simply notice your breathing for 1-5 minutes. Then, bring your contemplation question to mind.
Step 4: Drop the Question into Your Mind
Imagine dropping the question into the space between your eyebrows, which is often associated with wisdom. Continue breathing and observe any thoughts, feelings, or insights that arise for 1-5 minutes. Write down any notable thoughts in your journal.
Step 5: Drop the Question into Your Heart
Now, imagine dropping the question into the centre of your chest, the heart centre associated with caring and compassion. Again, breathe and notice what comes up for 1-5 minutes. Write down any compelling thoughts or feelings.
Step 6: Drop the Question into Your Soul
Finally, drop the question into your soul or the cave of your heart, as yogis say. You can imagine dropping it into your navel centre, which is thought to be the seat of your identity. Continue breathing and observing for 1-5 minutes. Write down anything that stands out.
Step 7: Conclude and Reflect
Conclude your meditation and take some time to reflect on your experience. Write down or draw anything interesting that came up during your practice. You may repeat this contemplation meditation for several days or weeks until you feel you have gained some clarity about your path forward. Be patient and non-judgmental with yourself and the process.
Additional Tips:
- If you are new to meditation, consider joining guided meditations led by professionals. They can help you explore specific topics and ask questions to foster a deeper contemplative experience.
- Remember that the purpose of contemplative meditation is to seek answers and guidance from your higher power or inner wisdom.
- Meditation is a practice, and it gets easier with time. Don't worry if you don't get it right away; just keep practising and trust the process.
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How to use questions for contemplative meditation to quiet the mind
Contemplative meditation is a powerful tool for facilitating deep thinking, self-reflection, and quieting the mind. It is a practice of self-emptying, letting go of habitual thoughts, and retraining our minds to achieve true humility, inner peace, and happiness. Here are some steps to guide you on how to use questions for contemplative meditation effectively:
Step 1: Understanding Contemplative Meditation
Contemplative meditation involves spiritually-centred observation and consideration of a specific idea, question, or situation. It is an opportunity to receive guidance and insight from within or a higher power. The practice aims to assist in making significant life decisions and fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
Step 2: Formulating the Right Questions
Begin by creating a concise and specific question about your current situation or the challenges you are facing. Journaling can be a helpful tool to refine your question. Consider prompts such as "What are my next steps?", "What am I learning and unlearning?", "What am I passionate about?", or "What worries me the most right now?". Ensure your question is focused without being too limiting, allowing for exploration and insight.
Step 3: Preparing for Meditation
Find a comfortable and quiet space where you can be uninterrupted. You may choose to sit or lie down, whichever feels most relaxing for you. Having a journal and a pen nearby is also recommended to jot down any insights or thoughts that emerge during your practice. Set a timer for the duration of your meditation, usually between 5 to 20 minutes, or longer if needed.
Step 4: Beginning the Meditation
Start by simply focusing on your breath for a few minutes. Close your eyes and take a few slow, deep breaths to centre yourself. Once you feel ready, bring your question to mind. You can visualise dropping the question into your mind, heart, or even imagine a sacred space within, such as the "cave of the heart" or "soul".
Step 5: Exploring the Question
As you hold the question in your mind, continue breathing and observe what emerges. Notice any thoughts, feelings, or insights that arise in response to the question. You may also choose to visualise the question in different parts of your body, such as the heart centre (associated with caring and compassion) or the navel centre (thought to be the seat of identity). Stay with each visualisation for a few minutes, breathing and observing without judgment.
Step 6: Concluding the Meditation
After exploring the question from different angles, conclude your meditation by writing down any thoughts, feelings, or insights that stood out to you. You may also choose to draw or engage in another form of creative expression to process your experience further. Remember that the goal is not to force a particular outcome but to allow your mind to quieten and receive guidance from within or a higher power.
Step 7: Patience and Consistency
It is important to approach contemplative meditation with patience and consistency. The process of quieting the mind and receiving insights may take time, and everyone's journey is unique. Be kind to yourself and trust that with regular practice, you will gain clarity and a deeper understanding of yourself and your path.
By following these steps, you can effectively use questions for contemplative meditation to quiet your mind, make meaningful decisions, and cultivate a sense of inner peace and presence. Remember that the process is individual, and it may take time to develop your own style and approach to contemplative meditation.
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How to use questions for contemplative meditation to connect with a higher power
Contemplative meditation is a powerful tool for deep thinking and self-reflection, and can be used to connect with a higher power and gain insight and guidance. Here is a guide on how to use questions for contemplative meditation to achieve this connection:
Prepare for Meditation
Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can be free from distractions. You can be indoors or outdoors, as long as the environment makes you feel calm and connected. Get into a comfortable position, either sitting cross-legged on a cushion, on a chair, or lying down. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Focus on your breath and allow it to become slow, steady, and natural.
Formulate Your Question
Create a specific question about your current situation and what you seek guidance on. For example, you may ask for direction on your life path or a challenging decision you need to make. Journaling can help you refine and clarify your question. Make sure your question is open-ended and not too limiting.
Begin the Meditation
Set an intention for your meditation practice. Express gratitude for the blessings in your life and set a clear intention, such as connecting with your higher power or gaining clarity on a specific aspect of your life. Then, drop your question into your mind, heart, and soul. Imagine dropping it into different parts of your body, such as between your eyebrows (the third eye, or the seat of wisdom) and into your heart (the centre of your caring and compassion). Continue breathing and observe any thoughts, images, or feelings that emerge.
Connect with Your Higher Power
Visualise a gentle and loving light above your head, representing your higher power or divine consciousness. Imagine this light descending and enveloping you, filling you with a sense of love, wisdom, and guidance. Repeat affirmations or mantras that resonate with your spiritual intention, such as "I am connected to my higher power" or "I am open to divine guidance." Allow the positive vibrations of these words to align you with your higher power.
Embrace Silence and Stillness
Release any attachment to thoughts or distractions. Simply be present with your breath and body, entering a state of deep silence and stillness. You can also visualise yourself surrounded by a sphere of radiant light, symbolising protection and divine energy. Merge with this light, feeling a deep sense of unity with all creation.
Conclude the Meditation
Before ending your meditation, express gratitude for the experience and the connection you have cultivated. Slowly bring your awareness back to the physical sensations in your body and the space around you. Set an intention to carry the peace and wisdom of your practice into your daily life.
Remember that contemplative meditation is a personal practice, and you can modify and adapt it to your unique needs and preferences. Be patient and consistent with your practice, and trust that you are connecting with your higher power to guide you on your spiritual path.
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How to use questions for contemplative meditation to overcome feelings of failure
Contemplative meditation can be a powerful tool to help you overcome feelings of failure and move forward with confidence and resilience. Here are some steps and techniques to use questions for contemplative meditation effectively:
Step 1: Understanding Contemplative Meditation
Contemplative meditation is a practice that involves reflection and introspection. It is a form of meditation where you focus on a specific question, thought, or idea and explore it deeply. This type of meditation is often used to gain insight, clarity, and a deeper understanding of yourself and your thoughts.
Step 2: Creating a Calm and Comfortable Environment
Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can be uninterrupted. You can sit or lie down, whichever feels more relaxing for you. If you prefer, you can also walk slowly and mindfully, focusing on your question while moving through your environment.
Step 3: Formulating the Right Question
Frame a specific question about your feelings of failure. For example, you could ask yourself, "What are my next steps after experiencing failure?" or "What can I learn from this failure?" Journaling can help you refine your question and make it more specific to your situation.
Step 4: Beginning the Meditation Practice
Set a timer for 5 to 20 minutes, or longer if you prefer. Start by simply noticing your breath for 1-5 minutes. Then, bring your contemplation question to mind.
Step 5: Dropping the Question into Your Mind, Heart, and Soul
Visualize dropping the question into different parts of your being: your mind, your heart, and what yogis call the "cave of the heart" or your soul. Spend 1-5 minutes on each, noticing what thoughts, images, or emotions arise in response to the question. You can write down any notable thoughts or insights in a journal afterward.
Step 6: Repeating the Practice
Repeat this contemplative meditation for several days or weeks. Be patient and non-judgmental with yourself and the process. Over time, themes and insights will emerge that can help you overcome your feelings of failure and guide you toward a more positive outlook.
Additional Tips:
- Remember that meditation is a personal practice, and your experiences may differ from others'. Everyone's path is unique, so don't worry if your meditation journey doesn't match someone else's.
- If you find your mind wandering or experiencing intrusive thoughts, gently bring your focus back to your contemplation question. Don't force the intruding thoughts away; simply acknowledge them and return to your meditation.
- Contemplative meditation can be done in various postures (walking, standing, sitting, or lying down). Choose whatever feels most comfortable for you.
- If you're new to meditation, start small and don't pressure yourself. Even a few minutes of contemplative meditation can make a difference, and you can gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
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Frequently asked questions
Contemplative meditation is a spiritually-centred observation or consideration of a specific idea, question or situation with the goal of receiving insight from a higher power.
Close your eyes, take a few slow and focused breaths, drop into your heart, focus on the question you have, ask your higher power for guidance and direction, and then sit in silence.
Contemplative meditation can help with making big life decisions and can be used throughout the day to help manage habits of thought and behaviour. It can also help you to connect with your inner voice and/or a higher power to guide you on your journey.
Meditation is often perceived as the practice of clearing the mind of all thoughts, but the true meaning of meditation is to engage in deep thought. Contemplative meditation is a specific type of meditation that seeks to receive guidance from a higher power.