“There is no effective way to teach contemplative practices without practicing them yourself” (Barbezat & Bush, 2014, p. 67)
My Contemplative Practices
I began with in a practice in Mindfulness meditation and an idea for sharing this with my work colleagues. Over the course of the program I have attended silent retreats and participated in a Mindful-Self-Compassion program. I have become more familiar with Buddhist philosophies and practices such as Metta meditation and meditation using a singing bowl. I have reconnected to my love of studying, beholding and making art that excites me. I have discovered the healing that creative writing can bring and how speaking it out loud amplifies this. I have rediscovered a love for writing poetry and poetics. Being vulnerable by sharing all of these with the beautiful people in my group has brought me confidence and daring. Over the program, I have co-facilitated three rounds of a peer led a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program for staff in my workplace . I have recently begun to facilitate a drop-in meditation series for staff. Both are grass-roots initiatives with the simple goal of providing a space for people to have contemplative practices. Please take a look at my journey, my Currere.
"Creativity is also an expression of our intuitive aspect. Getting in touch with our intuition helps to enter into the flow of life, of a universe that is in a constant state of becoming. When we tap into our intuition, whether in our art or simply in the day-to-day activities of our lives, we feel a part of this creative momentum." (p.g. 57)
Loori, J.D (2005) The Zen of Creativity: Cultivating Your Artistic Life. New York: Ballantine Books