What are Contemplative Practices?

Contemplative practices quiet the mind in order to cultivate a personal capacity for deep concentration and insight. Examples of contemplative practice include not only sitting in silence but also many forms of single-minded concentration including meditation, contemplative prayer, mindful walking, focused experiences in nature, yoga and other contemporary physical or artistic practices. We also consider various kinds of ritual and ceremony designed to create sacred space and increase insight and awareness to be forms of contemplative practice.

Contemplative practice has the potential to bring different aspects of one’s self into focus, to help develop personal goodness and compassion, and to awaken an awareness of the interconnectedness of all life. They have helped people develop greater empathy and communication skills, improve focus and concentration, reduce stress, and enhance creativity. Over time, these practices cultivate insight, inspiration, and a loving and compassionate approach to life. They are practical, radical, and transformative.

The concept of contemplative practice is as old as the world's religions. Every major religious tradition includes forms of contemplative practice, such as prayer, meditation, and silent time in nature. Many practices remain rooted in their religions, and others have grown in secular settings.

Some people find that movement practices, like yoga or tai chi, work best for them. Others find nourishment in still and silent practices, like mindfulness meditation. Some people find that practices rooted in a religious tradition, like lectio divina from Christianity or Shabbat observance from Judaism, speak to their soul. Others take heart in simple rituals like taking a soothing bath or a morning walk in nature. Not all practices are done in solitude – groups and communities can engage in practices that support reflection in a group process.

We encourage you to discover for yourself how contemplative practice, in whatever form is best for you, can sustain your life and work.

next, Why do Practices Matter?