Contemplative Practices
Contemplative practices can help us reframe our lives into something positive during the often challenging journey to wellness. These practices may decrease or prevent depression, reduce stress, build community, as well as bolster resilience and hardiness. There are countless ways to develop a contemplative practice. This is an individual and personal exploration, and there is no right or wrong way to approach contemplation.
Examples of contemplative practices are:
- Journaling
- Art making
- Inspirational reading
- Prayer
- Mindful walking
- Yoga or Qi Gong
- Reflections in nature
- Deep listening
- Meditation/Mindfulness
Spiritual Reading & Contemplation
Spiritual reading can give you wisdom and comfort. Some read sacred books like the Bible, the Torah and the Koran. Some read inspirational or self-help books. Others might like daily "devotionals," which are brief stories and meditations.
Consider Trying
Journaling
Create a journal practice for 40 days and 40 nights. Write down anything that you need to remove from the subconscious mind. Decorate your journal with collage, drawings, etc. to engage the senses.
Quiet Reading
Give yourself at least 15 minutes a day to sit quietly and read. You may choose to read from a sacred text, inspirational book, or humorous graphic novel. Pick whatever calls to you.
Bustle: 10 Books To Read If You Are Battling Cancer
Vision Board
Create a vision board from magazine clippings showing your healed self in one years' time. This can allow the mind to dwell on this positive imagery. Put the vision board in a place where you can see it and remind yourself of your intentions.
Proprioceptive Writing
A powerful journaling method is called Proprioceptive Writing. This method significantly helps to remove blockages that continue to revolve in the mind like a broken record. It allows one to peel back the thought down to the provoking emotions, see the real reasons for the emotion, and come to a creative solution to solve the issue. Learn more here
