Key Findings

From October 2001 to February 2002, the Contemplative Net Project interviewed 79 people and collected information on more than 70 programs throughout the United States which incorporate contemplative practices into their work.

Through in-depth interviews with the leaders of these programs, we heard stories of personal and organizational transformation.

Forty of the research participants' work focused on social justice issues. Through their interviews, we learned about the potential of contemplative practices to create a more just and compassionate society.

While the benefits of contemplative practices for individuals have been well-documented, this study revealed a multitude of ways that practice in a group and organizational context has transformed the way people work and function as a group.

The Contemplative Organization is emerging as a distinct entity that uses contemplative practices as both a technique and an organizing principle.

Research participants faced the challenge of offering contemplative practices in a secular setting in innovative ways, and place a premium on finding language and teaching approaches that make practices accessible to a wide audience.

Research participants generally feel that they are part of a broader movement, but identified a need for this movement to be better defined and more inclusive.