Seeing What’s Already There –
Contemplation isn’t about someone telling us what to look at. It’s about learning how to see what’s already right in front of us. It’s so much more than just glancing at something. It’s really noticing it, recognising it for what it truly is, and then naturally feeling a sense of appreciation.
A Fuller Way of Seeing
When we practise contemplation, a simple moment can suddenly feel fuller than before. We begin to see things in their wholeness — like a tree moving in the wind, or the quiet at the end of the day. Things we normally overlook begin to carry depth and presence. It’s both a discipline we have to work at and a beautiful gift. It slowly loosens the grip of our automatic thoughts and quiets that pushy inner voice that always wants to stay in charge.
Beyond Dualistic Thinking
We start trusting less in right or wrong, good or bad, us or them ways of thinking, thought that shrinks everything down to two choices, then picks a side. We realise how limited and biased that approach is. It keeps us stuck on the surface. We open the door to much broader, richer possibilities only when we step into a more contemplative or deeply intuitive way of being.
Learning to See More Deeply
So how do we actually learn this deeper, more alive way of seeing and being with life? And why doesn’t it just come naturally to us?
Fleeting Glimpses of Clarity
It does show up naturally, but usually only in brief flashes, especially when we’re filled with great love or going through grief, loss, or deep suffering. In those moments, our eyes and hearts are wide open, and the world feels more vivid and real. The problem is, those experiences don’t last long. We quickly return to our routines, our distractions, our opinions, and our need to stay in control. Without noticing it, we slip back into old patterns of seeing.
The Role of Contemplative Practice
This is why contemplative practice matters. Prayer, silence, meditation, or simply sitting still long enough to become present again. These practices help us return to that deeper awareness. It doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a steady commitment until eventually our entire life becomes one continuous practice.
The Humbling Process of Awakening
And honestly, the process can feel humbling.
The more aware we become, the more we notice how automatic many of our reactions are. Fear shows up quickly. So does cynicism, defensiveness, impatience, and judgement. It’s discouraging when we finally see how much our ego tries to stay in control instead of letting the moment teach us something. But seeing that clearly is not failure. It is part of waking up.
Moments of Wonder
A moment can only teach us if we allow ourselves to be surprised by it. Wonder matters more than we think. Sometimes all it takes is a brief moment of awe — a sudden silence, sunlight through the trees, a piece of music, an unexpected act of kindness — and something inside us opens again.
Those moments may seem small, but they stay with us. They remind us there is always more to life than our habits, fears, and constant need to explain everything.
Where Contemplation Begins
Maybe that quiet sense of wonder is where contemplation truly begins.
