Losing What Binds Us

Richard Rohr states that if the universal addiction is to our own pattern of thinking-which is invariably dualistic-the primary spiritual path must be some form of contemplative practice. We must somehow lose our limited perspective which binds us up.

Life is a spiritual journey. Contemplative living is a way of responding to our everyday experiences by consciously attending to our relationships. It deepens the awareness of our connectedness and communion with others, becomes a positive force of change in our lives, and provides meaningful direction to our journey. Ultimately, contemplative living leads us to a sense of well-being, profound gratitude, and a clearer understanding of our purpose in life.

Living contemplatively begins with ourselves but leads us in the end to embrace deeply not only our truest self, but God, neighbor, and all of creation. By reflecting on our everyday experiences, we seek the depths of our inner truth. By exploring our beliefs, illusions, attitudes and assumptions, we find our true self and discover how we relate to the larger community. Contemplative living directs our minds and hearts to the truly important issues of human existence, making us less likely to be captivated by the superficial distractions that so easily occupy our time. (Bridges to Contemplative living with Thomas Merton, Merton Institute for Contemplative Living, 2006)

Take some time to reflect on the tree of contemplative practices. Are you walking the contemplative path of a deeper inner truth? Are you being drawn to something more?