Seeing The Unseen Daily Contemplations
Don Jones
Published by Foot Traffic In Australian Business Pty Ltd ACN 113016934 November 2007 Copyright Don Jones—All Rights Reserved Email: jonesdc59@optusnet.com.au
Contemplation Instructions in Contemplation can be traced to the ancient texts. It is not limited to any particular religious study. It can be found in all religious and spiritual streams of study. It is available to everyone no matter what path you choose. The practice of contemplation is something that evolves with your own growth. Like most endeavours in life, starting out can be a challenge, but as soon as the basics are mastered, your mastery of contemplation will continue on an infinite path aligned with the evolution of your own consciousness. The instructions are simple. Some practices vary in their detail, but the essence is the same. The instruction is: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Choose a quiet place. If available, choose a place in harmony with nature. Sit—either cross legged on the floor or in a chair with a straight back. Get comfortable and relax. Keep your back straight and rest your hands in your lap. Most instructions suggest palms to the sky. Eyes can be closed or open. Be alert. Start by taking a few deep breaths. Let the tension in your body sail away on your out breath. Quiet your mind. A mantra or following your breath and labeling it “in-breath” and “out-breath” is a useful technique to help quiet your mind. An excellent mantra is the Aramaic word “Maranatha”. If using the mantra, break it into syllables—Ma-ra-na-tha. 8. As thoughts arise, gently notice them but do not judge them and let them drift away. Acknowledge that whatever arises is new and fresh—but just notice with a curiously —never judge. 9. As you settle deeper, notice your topic of contemplation. Again, be curious and non-judgmental. 10. Any period of contemplation is useful. Masters suggest that between 20 to 30 minutes twice a day is very beneficial. Using timed silence on a CD or MP3 is a useful way of not having to worry about the time.
January
1
You cannot visualize God, but everything you can imagine is God
2
Things are not as they seem—and nor are they otherwise.
3
Watch for stillness. Listen for silence. Let your thoughts drift past like clouds in the sky — without leaving a trace.
4
If ants thought about God, surely they would think of God as an ant.
5
Let go of everything you have been told about God— and just be present to the experience for yourself— now.
6
What if the Kingdom of Heaven really is inside us?
7
Bring forth into your human nature the full dominance of the Divine life that is within.
8
Effect always comes before the cause—despite what you may believe or have been told
9
The Mystery is not a mystery—but it is.
10
The dimensions of God are beyond our comprehension, but are all available to be experienced.
11
There is no time to lose, but yet there is.
12
It is never too late.
13
By Grace it is possible to have full knowledge, not by anything you do.
14
God can well be loved, but he cannot be thought.
15
Have absolute confidence窶馬o matter what.
16
Allowing can be the hardest thing of all to do ...
17
God Graciously calls you to his love. Nothing else matters.
18
Make your intention God—that is sufficient.
19
We each have to walk the path. No one can do it for you.
20
Above? Below? Left? Right? Ahead? Behind? Stop looking—Grace is here, now!
21
Many paths—one intent.
22
Remember—it is the path. There is no destination.
23
When the noise quiets, silence deafens,
24
Even in the darkest places, there is Light.
25
Climbing a ladder requires letting go to progress to the next rung.
26
Remember, we are all one. Everyone’s path is equal and important.
27
Emptiness—the unconditioned, inexpressible, dreamlike nature of all experience.
28
Give thanks for everything.
29
We can create. Create your intention now.
30
Express humility.
31
Hope—absolutely, positively, unconditional confidence.