Contemplation
A commentary
by Susan Kramerby
When we
think about something, we are contemplating. Contemplating what to
do next, what would be best, what course to follow.
Contemplation is a most useful skill to develop--as we usually make
the wisest choices from forethought.
Before I go to sleep
each night, I spend some time reviewing what happened that day, and
how I wish to proceed on the issues for the next day. Contemplation
is a way to mentally houseclean the day's activities--and prepares
the space in thought, for tomorrow's unseen situations.
We
can also contemplate on qualities we wish to develop in ourselves.
By assessing the pros and cons about a quality, we can determine if
it will uplift our lives through making us a better person, Because,
as we grow in consciousness, we become more conscious of the greater
plan for our life in the world. We attain a more universal overview
of life.
Contemplation serves as a clearing house in our
mind. We bring out a situation for review, process it, and then pass
it on into usefulness or discard it as unusable for us. Or maybe
send it back into our memory storage to be brought forward at
another time.
Contemplation also buys us time to think over
and digest new ideas that may come from outside sources--other
people or the media.
Contemplation gives us the time to
allow a good solution to come to mind. If we are in a hurry or
pressured to make a decision quickly, we might not instantly come up
with the most useful answer. But if we instead say--I'll think that
over and let you know later--tomorrow or next week or whatever
future date we choose, then our mind will have time to digest, mull
over the situation, and come up with the most workable solution.
As we contemplate we can take notes on ideas that come to mind.
Writing down my ideas while contemplating helps me evaluate the best
course to follow. I look over my notes and decide the pros and cons
of each idea before making an important decision.
As we
progress in upgrading our consciousness through sticking to the
virtues and truths we have decided to follow, we will more quickly
be able to make the best decision when called upon to decide
spontaneously.
As we upgrade our consciousness
our
conscious decisions become more spontaneously
for the best
Time spent in contemplation
uses our mind optimally
Stirs our thoughts and sifts out the dross
Leaving just
the right answer for us
each time
Copyright 1999 Susan
Kramer
About The Author
Born and raised alongside the Chesapeake Bay, Susan Kramer pursued a career as a classical ballet dancer and taught academics through kinesiology during the 1960s; concurrently studying drawing and design and becoming an abstract color constructionist in the 1970s. From the early 1980s to the present, Susan has written over 500 articles, essays, and commentaries in a combination of verse and prose form
- with many translated into the German language. More writings can be found at her
website: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Aegean/5707/ email:
kramer@humanitas.ucsb.edu