Seek places of quietness.
How to find Quiet Spots in Contemporary Life
Finding time for quietness can be difficult in today’s high pressured society. It is important to find moments for quietness, if we are to develop the art of contemplative prayer, and live healthy and balanced lives. This blog will give you some suggestions of ways in which we can set aside quality time that is conducive and helpful to contemplative prayer. If you wish to know more about the subject of contemplative prayer, also look at my website www.contemplative-prayer.com and you will receive more information on this subject .
1 Some people find it helpful to keep a journal of their thoughts and reflections . All you need to do is to purchase a diary or open a new file on your laptop . If you are pressured for time, you may find it helpful to set aside a short period of time every day, even if it’s only 10 minutes. Maybe you can spend a few moments of quietness at the end of this session, as this exercise is one helpful way of preparing yourself for contemplative prayer. You may find it helpful to find poems or pictures that are meaningful to you. Look at them carefully and let them speak to your heart. They don’t have to be religious but religious icons have been used in this way for many centuries, especially in the orthodox church.
2 Read a short but encouraging passage from the Bible. Some people find the Psalms or the teachings of Jesus quite helpful. When you begin to sense the presence of God within yourself, take a few moments of stillness and try and see this as a form of worship. Some people discover inspirations and insights in these moments of quietness. Don’t be impatient if you find this difficult, as it does take time and practice.
3 If you find it difficult to sit still in your home, it may be a good idea to find a park bench or a nice place to park the car and sit. When I was working in a high pressured job, I often used to seek out local beauty spots in order to spend a few moments alone. These moments can be used for reflection and contemplative prayer .
4 Some people find it helpful to set aside a spare room that can be used as a place for quietness and contemplation. It is important to exercise a little bit of creativity in preparing this room . Make it as pleasant and comfortable as possible, so that you automatically feel relaxed when you enter the room .This can be your place for quietness and contemplative prayer .
Don’t be afraid to experiment till you find your own space for contemplative prayer and quietness. These are simply some suggestions. There is a method there will be uniquely yours, because we have all been created unique and individual. We all have the potential to discover our own personal relationship with God, and the Christian tradition of contemplative prayer can be helpful. Take care of yourself and don’t neglect your spiritual nature.
