“Contemplation is an alternative consciousness that refuses to identify with or feed what are only passing shows. It is the absolute opposite of addiction, consumerism or any egoic consciousness.”—Richard Rohr
“Give yourself a gift of five minutes of contemplation in awe of everything you see around you. Go outside and turn your attention to the many miracles around you. This five-minute-a-day regimen of appreciation and gratitude will help you to focus your life in awe.”—Wayne Dyer
The sixth of Lauryn Axelrod’s Ten Words: An Interspiritual Guide to Becoming Better People in a Better World is “contemplation.” Contemplation is the fulcrum of the ten words. It stands as the balance point between belief (attention, acceptance, authenticity, benevolence, and balance) and behavior (contemplation, creativity, collaboration, celebration, and care). Contemplation enables us to look inward so that we and behave outwardly. It redirects us from self-centered to other-centered. It takes us from “why me?” to “why not me?”. It capitalizes the “p” in Purpose.
I have often considered the difference between Napoleon Hill’s “think and grow rich” and Robert H. Shuller’s “possibility thinking.” The latter suggests action. Contemplation means little if it does not lead to change—to growth.
Contemplation is the difference between “gratitude” and “grattitude.” Where it becomes the fulcrum of the “Ten Words” is when it take the act of looking inward to looking outward to acting outwardly.
Take Wayne Dyer’s suggestion and gift yourself (and others) with the gift of just five minute to contemplate with grattitude the miracles around you.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!!