About the Project

In May 1999, Contemplative Mind board member Rob Lehman had an idea that the Center should perform a qualitative research study to uncover the ways in which contemplative practices are being employed in mainstream American society. When Rob shared his idea with our Board, it was clear that such a project would help to clarify the next stage of the Center's work. The Board recognized that the Center should have two primary objectives: to continue our existing work in our own program areas as well as acknowledge and support work 'in the field', performed by other individuals and organizations using contemplative practices in contemporary culture. A research study such as Rob proposed would be a great way to build the Center's capacity to support this emerging movement.

Consultant Stephanie Clohesy refined the vision and scope of the proposed project. In addition, a Board subcommittee, comprised of Charlie Halpern, Charles Terry, Joan Konner, Harlon Dalton, and Mirabai Bush, was formed to work with Stephanie and the Center's staff. It was decided that the project should be conducted in-house, by a staff member, so that the knowledge gained during the research would "reside in the Center" and serve our goal to support those using contemplative practices in innovative ways.

In early 2001, the Center's staff worked with Stephanie to turn her project proposal into a grant proposal to be submitted to the Fetzer Institute and the Ford Foundation. Once support was secured, the first phase of the project began in Fall 2001.

Our emphasis has been on "Naming the Phenomenon" - identifying people who are key figures in bringing contemplative practice into society and the practices they use. During next past year, we interviewed 79 people who incorporate contemplative practice into their work and gathered inspiring stories of transformation. We also provided opportunities for organizations involved in the study to network with each other at two events, a Social Justice Gathering in Essex, Mass., in January 2003, and a Digital Storytelling Workshop at the Fetzer Institute, Kalamazoo, Mich., September 2002.

As an result of this study, our Social Justice Program is developing resources and training materials for individuals and organizations working for social justice who wish to integrate contemplative practices into their work.