Contemplation

What is Contemplation?

Simply defined, contemplation is the act of contemplating. It is thoughtful observation, full or deep consideration, reflection.

Other related words for contemplation might be meditation, rumination, reflection, prayer, awareness, or even mindfulness.

Thoughts

For our Words to Contemplate 30-Day Challenge, I ask that you contemplate or meditate on the word of the day. Spend just a few minutes to give it some serious thought. Think of the word and the meaning. What does the word mean to you? Perhaps it may remind you of people or friends or family members. Do you know someone who personifies that word? Do you know someone who uses the word regularly? Possibly you know someone who helped you understand its deeper meaning. And, you may now have adopted the word yourself or may have tried to exemplify or tried to teach others your understanding or appreciation of the word.

Each post for the 30-Day Challenge will follow this similar format. First, I will submit the word of the day with a short definition, followed by a handful of synonyms. Then, I’ll add some thoughts, just a few sentences or paragraphs to describe what the word means to me. Lastly, I will include some quotes to offer different perspectives or inspiration. The quotes might even plant a seed or simply provide a memory.

Quotes

“The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival.”
~Aristotle

“Art is contemplation. It is the pleasure of the mind which searches into nature and which there divines the spirit of which nature herself is animated.”
~Auguste Rodin

“That pleasure which is at once the most pure, the most elevating and the most intense, is derived, I maintain, from the contemplation of the beautiful.”
~Edgar Allan Poe