Frequently Asked Questions
We are often asked questions about the nature of our work, whether we provide funding for projects or organizations, or even the terminology we use on our website. Hopefully this section will help! If you don't see a question answered here, or if the answer given is not clear, feel free to contact us.
What does "contemplative mind in society" mean?
We believe that by developing the contemplative mind as well as the rational mind - that is, developing one's ability to simply "be," with awareness, openness and clarity - one may become more centered, peaceful, and confident. The personal transformations that often occur with regular contemplative practice, such as increased patience, compassion, and concentration, can play a part in the positive transformation of organizations, businesses, and other institutions. We are dedicated to the idea that contemplative awareness, when incorporated into contemporary life, can help produce a more just, compassionate, and reflective society.
What are contemplative practices?
Contemplative practices are methods incorporated into your daily life as a reminder to slow down, focus, and feel more connected to your self, your work, and your environment. Contemplative practices allow us to develop a capacity for deep concentration, usually in silence, to quiet the mind in the midst of the action and distraction that fills everyday life. This state of calm centeredness provides effective stress reduction and can also help address issues of meaning, values, and spirit. Contemplative practices can help people develop greater empathy and communication skills, improve focus and concentration, reduce stress and enhance creativity. In time, with sustained commitment, they cultivate insight, wise discernment, and a loving and compassionate approach to life.
Contemplative practices come in many forms, and are often, although not always, associated with particular religious or spiritual traditions. Examples of contemplative practices include various forms of meditation, yoga, prayer, contemplative arts, and contemplative movement. These and other practices may be explored at our contemplative practices webpages.
What is contemplative awareness?
Contemplative awareness is an appreciation of our lives that often develops out of, and can be strengthened by, contemplative practice. It includes the potential to lead us to more compassionate and wise behavior and the development of deep insights into issues and problems in our lives. The Tibetan meditation teacher Chogyam Trungpa expressed it this way: "Appreciating sacredness begins very simply by taking an interest in all the details of your life. Interest is simply applying awareness to what goes on in your everyday life - an awareness while you are cooking, awareness while you are driving, awareness while you are changing diapers, even awareness while you are arguing. Such awareness can help to free you from speed, chaos, neurosis, and resentment of all kinds."
What is the difference between meditation and contemplation?
The difference is often dependent on the cultural or religious context in which the words are used. For example, in a traditional Buddhist context, meditation is essentially (although it has many forms) a formal exercise used to calm and focus the mind without being distracted by thoughts, while contemplation is focused thinking on a particular topic. In a Christian monastic context, the meanings are generally reversed; contemplation is considered a more intimate experience or exercise than meditation, which is akin to pondering a specific topic.
Both meditation and contemplation can be performed while sitting, standing, lying down, or moving, and can have different (or multiple) intentions, such as improving concentration, generating feelings of love and compassion, or calming anxiety. But, because the word "meditation" frequently evokes certain practices (a meditator with legs folded, practicing vipassana, zazen, TM©, etc) at the exclusion of others (creative arts, dance, council circles, etc.), at the Center for Contemplative Mind we feel it is often more useful to use the word "contemplative practices" to encompass meditation, contemplation and similar practices.
Is the Center a religious organization?
We are not affiliated with any particular religion. We are committed to the value and insights of all spiritual and wisdom traditions and their associated forms of contemplative practice.
Can the Center assist me in funding my organization or event?
The Center for Contemplative Mind is a 501-(c)(3) non-profit organization which does not provide funding for projects and/or organizations except through the Contemplative Practice Fellowship Program, which provides funding for the encouragement of the study of contemplative practices and traditions at colleges and universities. More information on this program may be found on our Academic Program pages.
Can you arrange a retreat for my business / organization?
If you are interested in introducing contemplative practices to your business or organization, please call Lila Palivoda, our Director of Administration, at (413) 582-0071, extension 19. We may be able to organize a retreat with you.
You can find more information about bringing practice to your workplace on our Business Program pages and Social Justice Toolbox.
If you are interested in learning more about meditation or any other contemplative practice for yourself (and are not interested in having us organize a retreat), we hope you will find the contemplative practices section of our website helpful.
Can I reserve retreat time at the Center?
No, as we are not a retreat or meditation center, and we do not hold retreats or regular classes at our office here in Northampton, MA. Our retreats and workshops are held at carefully chosen locations around the nation.
What resources would you recommend for learning more about contemplative practices?
We suggest that you visit the section of this site devoted to contemplative practices. However, that information is intended to start you on your journey; we are not staffed by teachers and cannot give anyone individualized attention. If you have deeper questions than our information provides, or if you need personal guidance with your practice, you should search for a qualified teacher whom you trust.
How can I receive more information about the Center's work?
More information, including all of our published program reports, are available online in the publications section of this website. The reports are available for downloading, and you can order printed copies from us.
You may also email us with any questions at info@contemplativemind.org.