What defines someone as a contemplative?
In a religious context, contemplation can involve seeking a direct awareness of the divine, often through meditation or prayer. We often get the question, "what is the difference between meditation and contemplation?" Although these practices share similarities, they serve different purposes and involve distinct approaches. Understanding these differences, can help you choose the right practice for your mental wellbeing.
Contemplation is a reflective practice. It involves going deep on a focus or specific subject, concept, or question. During contemplation, my mind actively engages with the object of thought, seeking insights, understanding or meaning. (We discuss this briefly in this week's podcast episode on relationships which should be releasing today or tomorrow.) This practice can be done in silence, through journaling, reading or discussing ideas with others.
In many spiritual traditions, contemplation is used to connect with higher truths or divine wisdom. Contemplation can be a form of prayer where one seeks to understand God's will or presence. Similarly, with philosophical pursuits, contemplations might involve thoughts like the nature of existence, ethics or collective wounds.
A main difference between meditation and contemplation is active engagement of the mind around a focal point or idea vs calming the mind and letting go of many thoughts or ideas. Contemplation tends to be goal oriented and seeks to gain insight, understanding or wisdom.
The crossover occurs because contemplation can be done in a meditative state or a meditative state can be accessed through contemplation.
Meditation is cultivating a sense of mental stillness. It often focuses on the breath, repetition, or observing thoughts instead of directing thoughts. The goal is not to engage with thoughts but to transcend them to reach a state of still awareness and presence.
Meditation has roots in many spiritual traditions and has also been used in alternative therapies for mental and physical health. It has characteristics of passive observation, isn't goal oriented and while it may have a focus, it tends to be on techniques or awareness of body functions such as the breath or energy in the spine. It brings one into awareness of the present moment.
As you can see, these are distinct practices but they can complement each other. I may begin by sitting down and use breathing practices to calm my body and mind and then go into a contemplation on a passage I just read or some scripture or a particular idea. The calm state achieved through meditation can enhance visualization exercises or self hypnosis practices as well.
There are also traditions which use contemplation to lead into a meditative state where over time, the thoughts quiet and lead to moments of revelation which allow the meditator to sit in a state like pure awareness.
Ultimately, both practices offer valuable tools for personal growth, wellbeing, self discovery and spiritual development.
John tends to practice more meditation than contemplation, and I lend more towards contemplation than meditation but we both sit and meditate together in stillness and silence.
If you have any questions, or would like help with developing a personal daily practice, please reach out to John or I at ferrantefamilywellness@gmail.com or consider booking a meditation training session with John https://www.ferrantefamilywellness.com/service-page/meditation-training or spiritual development session with me https://www.ferrantefamilywellness.com/booking-calendar/spiritual-development?referral=service_list_widget for further guidance.
Warmly,
Jennifer Ferrante, CHt. Ferrante Family Wellness
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