In this introduction blog, I’ll give you a taste of a method of Contemplation that I sometimes call Reflection or Introspection. Yet, it’s all contemplation and leads us toward our goal of Contemplative Living. 

Developing a Practice of Contemplation.

Our Divine Essence draws its energy and power from Universal Oneness, and when our essence feels cut off from Oneness, it withers. When it reconnects, our essence comes alive, and we grow spiritually.

We must acknowledge the importance of inner development in the process of our spiritual progression. Internal growth is about finding out who we are as we expand into our True Nature. 

This pursuit requires engaging in contemplation and meditation. Most spiritual traditions aim for the same goal: reaching a place of Oneness, where we become one with nature, with each other, and one with the Divine. Yet, we also recognize ourselves as fallible human beings who live in a world of dualities. 

One way to transcend this and reach that place of Oneness, our Divine Essence, is by working with our inner light and shadows with our dualities. Spiritual development inevitably flows in the direction of love and spiritual maturity. 

When people turn away from their true nature, they thwart their spiritual progression; they no longer move forward. People get stuck because they see implicit boundaries; they see limitations when limitations are not necessarily there. A process that usually begins when we are very young.

The spiritual journey enables the process of spiritual maturity. Our past and feelings of separation can be overcome through a powerful way forward; by using reflection. Contemplation allows us to use our inner vision to provide clarity in daily life. 

We are travelers on the path, wherever it leads. The most incredible tool you can possess for spiritual development is the ability to be open, accepting, and able to integrate whatever comes through your consciousness, whether it comes from reflective practice like meditation, spontaneously from the Divine, or dreams, or one of the many other spiritually transformative experiences.

-David Bennett

The more of your “True Nature” you integrate into this physical being, the greater your spiritual progression and expansion of your worldview. Know that a pearl of higher wisdom is always available to guide you to reach your human and spiritual potential. I call this “Contemplative Living.”

I have to warn you. There is some obscurity during the awakening process because we don’t know where the universe is taking us. Awakening requires the haziness of not knowing because everything cannot be solved all at once. We remain confused as we slowly let the ego-personality fade into acceptance and balance with our divine nature. Trust the process, despite opposition from others or your mind.

Recognize that a fundamental reorganization of your identity is not a process to be taken lightly. Such work is long-term and may at times require a teacher or guide. 

So First up… What is the difference between Mental Contemplation & Spiritual Contemplation? ⚖️

Now! This section is a little dry so, I’ll try to keep it entertaining.  If you want, you can jump right into my concepts of contemplation practice.

Mental contemplation is observing and examining our own mental and emotional state. It’s when we look deeply at our rational and cognitive processes.  It’s an examination, a mental survey, or consideration of a subject or matter. 

Mental contemplation is an act or process of thinking about oneself or one’s values, beliefs, and behavior.

Spiritual Contemplation generally provides privileged access to our heart-centered states. It is a peacemaker with other sources of knowledge, most of the time coming from outside of an individual’s experience of the mind. 

Spiritual Contemplation is Introspection, and it can determine any number of states, including sensory, bodily, cognitive, emotional, and so forth. It can lead us into insights about our health, emotions, and what is really exciting, guidance for the circumstances where we are in this moment. Spiritual contemplation is an experience entirely in the present moment.

Contemplation has been a subject of philosophical discussion for thousands of years. The philosopher Plato asked, “…why should we not calmly and patiently review our own thoughts, and thoroughly examine and see what these appearances in us really are?” 

Spiritual contemplation is often compared with perception, the process of being aware, and a source of knowledge that is greater than ourselves.

In Christianity, contemplation refers to a content-free mind directed towards the awareness of God as a living reality. This corresponds, in some ways, to what in Eastern religion is called samadhi. 

On the other hand, for many centuries in the Western Church, Meditation referred to more cognitively active exercises, such as visualizations of Biblical scenes or the practice of a slow, thoughtful, savory reading of a Bible verse.

Contemplation as a practice is now finding greater resonance in the West, both in business and in universities. You can see it in fields as diverse as architecture, physics, and the liberal arts.

In Catholic Christianity, contemplation is given importance. Josef Pieper once said: “For it is contemplation which preserves in the midst of human society the truth which is at one and the same time useless and the yardstick of every possible use; so it is also contemplation which keeps the true end in sight, gives meaning to every practical act of life.

The Buddha advised each person to “see for yourself.” He stressed that people should not just take the word of some teacher or text but should directly observe their inner and outer worlds to see their truth.

“The Buddha said he is only the one who points out the way. He teaches you how to swim. It’s not that he swims for you. If you want the Buddha to swim for you, you are only going to drown.” So let’s not drown in the chaotic distractions of the world around us. That stresses our mental capacities and pulls us away from our divine nature. Let us all use contemplation as a path to our truth.

Attachment to our views (for example, opinions, beliefs, thoughts, perspective, position) is, in many ways, typical of clinging – which is the main engine of suffering. So in reflective practice, we try to keep our minds open to whatever direction the truth takes us. The dharma is “the truth of how things are” – the reality of existence and experience. 

My Spiritual Philosophy. 🧐

I come from the premise of everything being alive with the spiritual energy of Love. I believe Love is the eternal flame found everywhere and in everything. We can all access the wisdom of our true nature so that we can face life’s many decisions feeling empowered with a clear vision, right action, and a sense of purpose. 

Let’s take a moment to reflect on these thoughts…

Is our love reflected in every aspect and every waking moment?  For most of us, I would have to say no. In my life, I have only met two individuals who come close to reflecting the love in every moment. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a mentor to me Margaret Keen. (Margaret laughed when I told her my impression and confided that she too gets frustrated.) 

We are human after all, and our material lives make this difficult especially with all the distractions that cross our paths, knocking us off-center. 

Are we just talking about love or are we actually working toward demonstrating love and spirituality?

What is the best way to apply this and get our heads out of the clouds? I recommend starting step by step bringing clear conscious light down to earth into daily practice. Find what works best for you.

I encourage you to take a moment and reflect on one thing: You are a gift for the world… Not because of what you do, but because you are a unique and beautiful expression of the Divine. You have the ability to share & grow your incredible self. Your presence is your power. 

Do You Have A Meditation Or Spiritual Practice? 💖

I started my contemplative practice many years ago when I was facing some of my life’s greatest challenges.

For those that don’t let me tell you – Meditation has been wonderful for me, but there are more ways to meditate than to sit silently with your eyes closed. Meditation can have a profound effect on so many different areas of life. With consistent practice, you will notice changes in your stress levels, your creative thinking abilities, the condition of your relationships, and your anxiety levels just to name a few. 

I’ve found that a consistent meditation routine (that I look forward to by the way) is the number one key to success. If you enjoy it, and if you make it as normal in your schedule as eating or sleeping, you will be much more likely to stick with it. It’s about self-care. It’s about unplugging from must-do lists, the chores, and the thoughts of work, kids, bills, or stress. It’s about taking the time to just “BE.” Remember You are a gift for the world… and you need your cup full.

Reflections are thoughts, ideas, or remarks that occur as a result of meditation. They then become your center of focus in subsequent meditation or a subject for serious thought or consideration for a period of time in your daily life. These contemplations provide a path into your divine nature.  Unlike other meditation techniques designed to empty the mind, contemplative meditation intensely focuses on an idea while in a state of stillness or mindfulness.

Sometimes wisdom hits us square in the face. Like when we walk from darkness into brilliant sunshine and it takes time to adjust. Other times it slowly works its way into our hearts and minds by repeated exposure or over long periods of incubation. In the long run, spiritual progression helps unite oneness into all parts of our lives. This is what spiritual transformation is all about. 

As my practice grew I began to see the path I was traversing was moving me toward spiritual awakening. My daily communications with my Higher Consciousness were reflections given to me for my own progress. 

Reflections are a voice as old as time, You are not going to find anything that wasn’t spoken by our ancestors before and still hold the wisdom for those ready to listen. You might phrase it a little differently,  but there isn’t anything that comes up in reflections that Haven’t been taught before. But, what comes up for you will be unique and timely for your being.

You can personalize any Contemplative subject and make them yours. 

By working with reflections it helps us make empowered choices that imbue our lives and relationships with real substance and depth. 

Reflections stimulate our intellect and intuition thus opening a connection to our authentic self. Let’s help find the new you, let’s engage the mind, and at the same time begin listening with your heart

No matter where you are on your path you will find contemplation as supportive and nourishing to your being. 

Always remember; we are living these physical lives and we cannot start from absolute perfection. Being perfect doesn’t matter. Just experience life with a good connection to your true nature.

Reflections are a jumping-off point, don’t try to understand my meaning instead find your own meaning in the insights from your contemplation. Modify the concept of yourself toward positive loving intentions. We are connected to a light-filled unified universe of potentiality. 

“Balance is key; in the material world right and wrong are opposite poles of the same frequency. As we move on our spiritual quest we come to know there is neither right nor wrong-only what is. Balance is Key so we give thanks for what we perceive as good and bad, they are all opportunities for growth.”

“A Voice as Old as Time: Contemplations for Spiritual Transformation by David Bennett pg. 36

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