Mindfulness and Contemplation

Yes, it's been one of those days...........................................................................

There are a number of meditative styles and techniques, but they can generally be divided into two categories— concentrative meditation and mindfulness meditation. Concentrative meditation involves narrowing the mind's focus to a single point, such as the breath, a sound or mantra, an image such as an icon, a candle flame, or even a point within the body. 

Mindfulness meditation is more about present moment awareness. Instead of narrowing the focus, in mindfulness meditation the meditator observes the thoughts, sensations and emotions that pass through the mind in a continuous stream of consciousness. 

However, the meditator simply observes and does not think about, react to or become involved in these feelings, memories, sensations or worries. He/she is simply a witness to them.

CONTEMPLATION 

God would often say that silence alone brought transformation.

But no one could get Him to define what silence was. 

When asked He would laugh, then hold His forefinger up against His tightened lips - which only increased the bewilderment of the angels.

One day there was a breakthrough when someone asked: ―And how is one to arrive at this silence that you speak of?‖

God said something so simple that the angels studied His face for a sign that He might be joking. 

He wasn‘t. He said: ― Wherever you may be, look when there is apparently nothing to see; listen when all is seemingly quiet ‖.