Contemplation

Contemplation

Within the five daily practices and in the context of this book, there are two types of contemplation exercises.

They are also known as mindfulness.

The first, contemplation on life, which I specifically do in the morning, can be done throughout the whole day. It can be done when you are working or associating with others. You do not need to be alone to do this exercise. In fact, it is much more beneficial if you learn to apply this exercise when you are amongst others. Contemplation is the awareness of other life in whatever form that may be. In this instance it is the life of a plant.
With your Gathering meditation you have activated your inner being so that you can perform your day to the best of what you are.

Contemplation on Life Practice

Using a Plant

Being. Now you meditate with no other purpose than to observe objectively what something else is. Something that is in its current form has no direct obvious benefit to you. That is, other than your understanding and respect for what it is. You are mindful by observation. You become what the plant is by neither taking anything away nor putting anything in. You learn to practice non interference of another. Yet you gain an understanding of this plant. And in this you learn acceptance of the way with its ebb and flow. You learn to glean reality. You are not coloured by gain or loss but by just letting it be.

Step 1

1. Those of you that question the meaning and validity of life need not travel to distant lands and cultures for answers. It is a question you have not truly asked. Study and appreciate a plant in whatever way and the greater questions in your existence will unfold.
   As with anything of value this practice has a simple technique. You can do this practice anytime, anywhere and from any position and you don’t have to be alone. All you need is a plant within observation. It can be a tree, a bush, a flower, etc. For what you are doing here, any stationary growing plant. Take time away from what you are doing. If for example you have a pot plant on your desk at work you can make this the object of your contemplation. Take a couple of deep breaths and study the plant. The leaves, the soli, the colour, the texture, etc, etc.

    

Step 2

Give over your whole attention to observing everything that you see about and within the plant. Do this for a few minutes. Give your complete and undivided attention to the observation of this plant. Let it be your whole universe for those couple of minutes. No one needs to know what you are doing. And for the short time that you are involved they are not likely to.
Perform this exercise at least once a day but you can do it almost as many times as you like. And it does not matter whether you are in the middle of a cup of tea or putting on your coast to go out.

Contemplation on the plant can take as long or as short a period as you want it to be. No doubt, after a while, you will have your favorite plant but don’t be adverse to becoming mindful of other plants around you. Blend with other life, whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Reality is the present. So, as always finish with the word “Perfect”