perception

“Well let’s start with it, the Latin word, contemplat, is seeing, not thinking. So it’s a more holistic way of accessing the moment than just the left-brain. I like to call it “undefended knowing,” where you keep the screen open, you refuse the dualistic, antagonistic ‘it’s either this or that,’ which is the way most people prefer to think. They don’t know it. So when you refuse this ‘it’s either this or that,’ you get your usual defenses out of the way of anger, agenda, fear, and judgment. The more you can remain undefended and keep the screen open, I think you have an easier possibility of contemplating a situation.” ~ Richard Rohr * at Huffington Post

We often differentiate people as being either contemplative types or more action-oriented and that may be valid. I, for one, am definitely more contemplative in nature. However, if my contemplation does not lead to some kind of action, then it’s all for nothing.

Actions, however, can be more than doing something in a physical, hands-on way. My actions are mainly around writing about what I find and sharing it with others, in the hopes that they too will take time for contemplation. Listening can also be a form of action.

Contemplation is the spring from which right action takes place. Action then leads to more contemplation.

We all want to take the most effective action for all in any given situation. And, to do that we have to see a situation for what it is – minus our defences, anger, agenda, and fears. Hard to do without practice in what Richard Rohr calls “undefended knowing.”

* Richard Rohr is a Franciscan priest and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation.

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