Tools: Contemplative Meditation

Contemplative Meditations invite you to hold a question, image, feeling, or experience within the spaciousness of awareness rather than trying to solve or understand it. Instead of thinking about a topic, you simply remain present with it in a loving, openhearted, and receptive way. As the mind quiets, deeper wisdom is given space to emerge naturally.

The purpose is not to think more deeply, but to listen more deeply.

The word contemplation comes from the Latin con (“with”) and templum (“sacred space”). To contemplate is to be with something in a sacred way. During these meditations, a phrase or question will occasionally be repeated to gently return your attention when the mind wanders. Rather than searching for answers, allow insights to arise in their own time as impressions, thoughts, images, sensations, or a quiet knowing.