Contemplation is an alternative consciousness that refuses to identify with or feed what are only passing shows. It is the absolute opposite of addiction, consumerism or any egoic consciousness.
Interpretation
Contemplation allows us to step back from fleeting desires and ego-driven behaviors.
This quote by Richard Rohr emphasizes the importance of contemplation as a mental state that transcends the transient and often superficial aspects of life such as addiction and consumerism. Instead of being consumed by these passing desires, contemplation enables individuals to adopt a deeper awareness and understanding of existence, fostering a more authentic and meaningful outlook on life.
In practice
During a meditation workshop, I shared Richard Rohr's quote to encourage participants to explore deeper insights.
My scientist friends have come up with things like 'principles of uncertainty' and dark holes. They're willing to live inside imagined hypotheses and theories. But many religious folks insist on answers that are always true. We love closure, resolution and clarity, while thinking that we are people of 'faith'! How strange that the very word 'faith' has come to mean its exact opposite.
The gift of darkness draws you to know God’s presence beyond what thought, imagination, or sensory feeling can comprehend.
I cannot illustrate huge differences between male and female spiritualities except in their starting points, style and fascinations along the way. This is significant, however, and has huge pastoral implications: men must be challenged in the world of doing; women must be challenged in the world of relating.
Much of the Christian religion has largely become “holding on” instead of letting go. But God, it seems to me, does the holding on (to us!), and we must learn the letting go (of everything else).
We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking.
I've had the good fortune of teaching and preaching across much of the globe, while also struggling to make sense of my experience in my own tiny world.
The only people who are obsessed with food are anorexics and the morbidly obese. That, in erotic terms, is the Catholic church, in a nutshell.
What are kings, when regiment is gone, but perfect shadows in a sunshine day?
Theology is only thought applied to religion.
Nor grandeur hear with a disdainful smile The short and simple annals of the poor.
I want to hear an alternative viewpoint, and I don't want girls to be defanged and declawed and pretty and mute.
A man can be himself only so long as he is alone; and if he does not love solitude, he will not love freedom; for it is only when he is alone that he is really free.
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