In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, finding moments of genuine peace and clarity can feel like an elusive dream. Yet, within us lies a powerful capacity for inner exploration and transformation: contemplation. Contemplation is not merely a passive act but a dynamic and profound practice that holds the key to unlocking our highest potential. We will seek to understand this concept as we explore The definition of Contemplation together and delve into the magical, mystical as well as the simple sedentary splendour of our very being that we may not even take much account of if we’re honest. Noticing is the gift we seek here!

Contemplation teaches you to think about thinking and may be the highest form of intelligence that we have. It is a dance with the physical, psychological, and the spiritual and has a tendency to heal people and then transform them. Many equate it to prayer or a style of meditation, however it is the meta-cognitive capability of seeing reality exactly as it is without the distortions of the defensive mind, a mind geared for making judgments for its own survival. The frightened personality lies to us and one day we eventually need the truth to set us free. Contemplation allows us to cut the cognitive distortions away and creatively respond like a mystic or seeker to reality (truth) rather than perception. Contemplation is a journey beyond anything you can think!

Unveiling the Depths: Exploring the Definitions of Contemplation

Forget the image of a solitary figure in deep meditation – while that can certainly be a form of contemplation, Lockwood emphasizes its accessibility in everyday life. He suggests that being “fully present in heart, mind, and body” while engaged in mundane activities like washing dishes or enjoying a walk in the park can be a contemplative practice. This presence allows us to creatively respond to the present moment and work towards a desired future. Looking at an apple, that you have seen a thousand times for the last twenty years can be lost to the eyes behind the eyes. Re-looking, with intention, presence, inspiration and wonder at an apple with a contemplative mindset is something entirely different.

The apple can become something totally different to you in a mere matter of minutes. One of Marks teachings about the real essence of who we really are, why we are here and what life beyond the veil of perception is all about says a line from St. Teresa of Avila, “even a sardine can convert you”. If you really understand the mystery, magnificence and wonder of a sardine, that you may have not ever deeply thought about before, you can be awakened to reality and the truth of being in an instant. Everyone is invited to heal and transform their lives and all we need to do is look with the eyes behind the eyes so to speak.

Contemplative practices are practical, radical, and transformative, developing capacities for deep concentration and quieting the mind in the midst of the action and distraction that fills everyday life.

Now, imagine doing this same contemplative practice with a sacred text, a personal encounter where you’re immersed in nature or even more profound, a spiritual awakening experience for example. The burning bush is still burning, the ancient texts are still offering us magic, awe and wonder. Paul’s road to Damascus experience…..he didn’t know and then he knew and what happened between? A shift in consciousness. An out of body type of experience. The mind that he was conformed to was transformed. He thought differently and thus saw, felt, experienced and, well, he just knew. Before his experience he didn’t know; much like the apple and sardine example any one of us can do as above.

Beyond the Surface: The Contemplative Mind

The definition of Contemplation is quite simple, is entirely practical, scientifically based and something we can use on a daily basis to recover from the mental health crisis the world finds itself in today. Lockwood delves deeper into the concept by introducing the “Contemplative Mind.” He argues that the constant influx of technology and information has paradoxically worsened conditions like depression, trauma, and stress. Contemplative Intelligence (CQ) offers a way out of this “survival mode” by encouraging us to “re-imagine yourself beyond the self-concept and persona you have created.” This process allows us to shed unhealthy habits and limiting beliefs, offering a chance to “re-imagine your reality and create the life you really want.”

He clarifies that stress itself isn’t the enemy; it’s our response to it. Contemplation provides the tools to understand the “bigger picture,” expanding and freeing the mind, allowing us to re-examine fundamental questions like “Who am I really?” This journey of self-inquiry, according to Lockwood, is a “return to your Sacred Self.”

Embracing the Unknown: The Essence of Contemplation

Contemplation also involves “embracing the mysterious, not just the known.” It’s a mindset shift from survival to thriving, a continuous “thinking about thinking.” Thomas Merton, who also beautifully describes contemplation says that it is all about “gratitude for life, for awareness and for being,” a realization that our existence stems from an “invisible, transcendent and infinitely abundant source.”

A Tapestry of Definitions: Unpacking the Practice

To truly grasp the essence of contemplation, Lockwood offers a comprehensive list of definitions, each illuminating a different facet of this profound practice. Here are a few highlights:

• Contemplation is the end of two: This suggests a dissolving of duality and separation, leading to a sense of interconnectedness.

• Contemplation is a prayer of the heart, more so than a prayer of the mind: It emphasizes a deeper, intuitive connection rather than intellectual understanding.
• Contemplative practices are practical, radical, and transformative: Highlighting the active and life-altering nature of the practice.  
• Contemplation is self-inquiry: Underscoring the importance of introspection and self-discovery.
• Contemplation is re-looking, re-feeling and re-experiencing everything in the present moment: Emphasizing the power of presence and letting go of past narratives.
• Contemplation grounds people into empathy by eliminating the ego identities separation perspective: Revealing its potential for fostering compassion and understanding.
• It is our rainbow bridge to a more radical and inclusive understanding of God, self, and others: Suggesting its role in spiritual and personal growth.

The definition of Contemplation as we portray them all here collectively paint a picture of contemplation as a multifaceted practice that transcends mere relaxation or positive thinking. It’s a deep dive into the nature of reality, the self, and our connection to something larger than ourselves.

Contemplation: A Scientific Frontier

Lockwood also touches upon the emerging field of “Contemplative Science,” which bridges the gap between empirical studies of consciousness and the subjective experience of contemplation. This scientific lens allows for a deeper understanding of mental phenomena and the cultivation of well-being through practices that train attention and counteract cognitive imbalances.

The Path to Understanding: Intentional Withdrawal and Self-Discovery

Lockwood believes that truly understanding contemplation requires an “intentional withdrawal from the hedonistic nature of the ordinary world.” This doesn’t mean complete isolation, but rather a conscious effort to step back from the constant pursuit of pleasure and desire that can cloud our minds. The definition of Contemplation is therefore a “right-brained kind of vision and perception” that fosters connection and synthesis rather than analysis. It’s about shedding the “illusory self” and awakening to our true, transcendent nature.

Contemplation is re-looking, re-feeling and re-experiencing everything in the present moment rather than from mind and memory. Contemplation is meeting as much reality as we can handle in its most simple and immediate form 

The Art of Contemplation: Beyond Aesthetics

Drawing parallels to poetry, music, and art, he suggests that contemplation shares a common thread of profound experience. However, he emphasizes that contemplation goes beyond aesthetic intuition, philosophy, and even speculative theology. It “resumes, transcends and fulfills them all,” offering a deeper level of understanding and awareness.

Quoting Thomas Merton again, Lockwood highlights that contemplation is “always beyond our own knowledge, beyond our own light, beyond dialogue, beyond our own self.” It’s an entry into a “higher life,” a “death for the sake of life” that transcends our ordinary understanding of existence.  

Embarking on the Journey: Learning and Living Contemplation

For those seeking to incorporate contemplation into their lives, Lockwood suggests researching its historical roots and exploring its scientific implications. His book, “The Power of Contemplative Intelligence,” promises a journey into the “wilderness of our mentality,” offering a path to self-mastery and inner peace.  

In a world often characterized by division and conflict, contemplation offers a powerful antidote. By fostering inner peace and understanding within ourselves, we can contribute to a more peaceful and compassionate world. The journey of contemplation is an invitation to delve into the depths of our being, unlock our potential for healing and transformation, and ultimately, discover our true selves.

Contemplative conclusions

The definition of Contemplation leads is to a dynamic practice of inner exploration that enhances self-awareness and transforms perception. It promotes a deeper understanding of reality beyond cognitive distortions, fostering creativity and empathy. Its accessibility in daily life is widely available to us all.

In concluding our contemplation on contemplation, we recognize it not merely as a practice, but as a profound return to our authentic selves, a vital antidote in a world often lost in external noise; this active, mindful presence, this “Contemplative Intelligence (CQ),” teaches us to transcend the ego’s limitations and reactive stress responses, fostering healing and transformation by connecting us to a deeper, interconnected reality, a truth supported by both ancient wisdom and modern contemplative science. Embracing this journey inward allows us to shed the false self, access our inherent compassionate and creative nature, and discover that cultivating inner peace is the most powerful path to contributing to a more healed and peaceful world, embarking on an enriching adventure where the potential for transformation is as wonderful as it is limitless!