SPIRITUAL CARE

In his paper “Contemplation and Action: A Paradoxical Pair” my blog co-author, Dr. James Peterson defines contemplation as inwardness, solitude, silence, letting go into emptiness, a quiet attentiveness. “Contemplation involves the letting go of much that is active during the rest of the day,” says Dr. Peterson. “In prayer we are invited to let go of those things we often work for: the security that comes through possessions, the sense of identity that comes with prestige or with the good reputation offered by others, the self-satisfaction of accomplishments, the sense of control over our lives that comes with positions of power and influence. The ego is the prime mover and director behind these inclinations. In prayer we surrender the ego to the emptiness of a life secured and held in God alone.”

In contrast, Dr. Peterson says, action takes us outward and not inward. “Action is outwardness, interaction, speech, effort, quick movement, decisiveness. It is by action that we earn a living, initiate and sustain institutions, create and procreate, build and maintain friendships, acquire knowledge, and serve others.”

For some of us, contemplation and action appear at odds with each another, at least at the beginning of our spiritual journey. “The activeness of work often seems to get in the way of contemplation, and the contemplative time I do take does not seem to relate much to the work that I do,” confesses Dr. Peterson.

Yet both contemplation and action are essential components of spiritual care, indeed of a full and balanced life. How do we address the seeming conflict? Two practical suggestions are offered here. First, an attitudinal one: view contemplation and action as complements, not as competing opposites. Second, a behavioral one: create a time budget, allocating time each day for contemplation and for action, and stick to the plan. My newly released book Traveling: A Spiritual Seeker’s Guide provides step-by-step assistance on how to develop, and stick to, a Time Investment Plan that involves both contemplation and action.

• Identify and assess key areas of your life including your spiritual well-being, body and physical health, mind and mental health, relationship with others, job, education, and leisure or “me” time.

• Prioritize the areas you want to focus more intensely on over the next year.

• Create a Time Investment Plan with set-aside periods for both spiritual time and “me” time.

• Review and adjust the sails every six months.

In time, as contemplation does its work—the work of letting go, finding freedom, and aligning with the perspective of God—we will find ourselves in a space that allows for discernment of right action. Contemplation will not stand in the way of the active life. Indeed, it will foster right action.

This purposiveness and complementarity of contemplation AND action will help you journey toward a full and balanced life. You will be gifted with the fruits of the Spirit such as peace, humility, freedom, letting go, and trust. You will go more peacefully into each day. The stage will be set for your transformation into the person you were meant to be.

Copyright Hearken Books.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without written permission from Hearken Books is strictly prohibited.

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