"Contemplation is the highest expression of man’s intellectual and spiritual life. It is that life itself, fully awake, fully active, fully aware that it is alive. It is spiritual wonder. It is spontaneous awe at the sacredness of life, of being. It is gratitude for life, for awareness and for being." - Thomas Merton

Finding Peace Through Contemplation

Contemplation is like taking a peaceful moment to think deeply about life and everything around us. It's when we stop and really notice how amazing it is to be alive. This special kind of thinking helps us feel grateful for the little things, like the warmth of the sun or the sound of birds singing. When we focus on these wonders, it can help us feel less worried and stressed. It's like giving our minds a break from all the busy thoughts that can make us feel anxious.

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When we practice contemplation, we become more aware of our thoughts and feelings.

This awareness helps us understand ourselves better and can make us feel calmer. It's like when you take a deep breath and feel your body relax. By appreciating the beauty and sacredness of life, we can find a sense of peace and happiness. This peaceful feeling can help us handle stress and anxiety more easily because we remember that there is so much good in the world.

Here are some simple steps you can take to use contemplation to feel less stressed and anxious:

- Find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably without distractions.

- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, focusing on the air going in and out.

- Think about something in your life that you are grateful for, like a friend or a favorite hobby.

- Spend a few minutes just being aware of your surroundings, noticing the sounds, smells, and feelings.

- Try to do this every day, even if it's just for a few minutes, to help your mind feel more peaceful and relaxed.

Pair some of these practices with praying the Jesus Prayer:

The Jesus Prayer, a simple yet profound practice, involves repeating the phrase "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner" as a means of focusing the mind and heart on God's presence. This prayer is often used in Christian contemplative traditions to cultivate inner peace and spiritual awareness. To begin, find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably and without distractions. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. As you start to recite the prayer, either aloud or silently, synchronize it with your breathing—saying the first part as you inhale and the second part as you exhale. Allow the rhythm of the prayer to guide you into a state of meditation, gently bringing your attention back to the words whenever your mind wanders. Over time, this practice can deepen your connection to God and foster a sense of humility and compassion.

- Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit.

- Close your eyes and take deep breaths to center yourself.

- Begin reciting the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

- Synchronize the prayer with your breathing: inhale for the first part, exhale for the second.

- Focus on the words